The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 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 Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
