Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power competition 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful 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 nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now 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 unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
