Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 described 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 Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, 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 unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
