The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.