The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.