The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state 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 volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
