Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's 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 joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex 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 declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
