The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
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 "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "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 vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently 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 not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
