The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
