Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
