Recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
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 take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
