The latest American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
