Recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
