The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions 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 Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
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 annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
