Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying 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 must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
