The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
