The latest American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic 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 refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 stated.
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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint 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 complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
