Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
