The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 stated.
He described 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 Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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 annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
