The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally 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 pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments 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 president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
