The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 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 global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
