Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" 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 issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.