The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
