The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
