The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex 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 close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
