The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
