Recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
