The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern 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 volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 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."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
