The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US 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 work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot 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 little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
