The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic'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 North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded 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 couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
