The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified 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 sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
