Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint 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 complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
