The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing 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 inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
