Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
