The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated 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 additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
