The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny 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 Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence 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 Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
