The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 described 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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "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 Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence 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 few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
