The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
