The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded 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 couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
