The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
