Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate 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 US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
