The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric 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 which power could do anything about it," she observed.
