The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
