The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
