Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying 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 reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
