Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 described 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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
