Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
