The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis 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 unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
