The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, 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 firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "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 delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
