Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American 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 guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power competition in the Arctic. "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 remarked.
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 international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
