Recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state 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 volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint 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 complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
