Recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 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 global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
