Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also 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 further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now 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 unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
