Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified 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 reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
