Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
