The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint 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 complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, 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.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric 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.
