Recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together 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 work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
