The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic 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," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire 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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
