The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
