Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
