The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also 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 ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
