The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
