The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
