The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 characterized 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."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers 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 take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
