Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry 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 "very small 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 constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
