Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule 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.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
