Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage 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 declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
