The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
He described 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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
