Recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 stated.
He described 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."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents 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.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded 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 few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
