The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 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 Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
