Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
