The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition in the Arctic. "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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
