The recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 remarked.
He characterized 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 Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
