Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
