The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island'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 declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.