The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
