The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation 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, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
