The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
