Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 "very small 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 reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
