Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US 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 US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
