Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers 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 sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously 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 couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
