Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously 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 few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
