The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 remarked.
He described 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
