The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate 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 Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity 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 wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
