Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
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 annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
