The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic'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 Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor 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."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
