The latest American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis 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 few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
