Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic 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," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 "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 response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both 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 reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric 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.
