Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of 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 remarked.
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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
