The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s 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 ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" 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, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "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 desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once 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 troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
