The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
