Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power competition 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 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 Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
