Recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
