Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing 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 couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
