Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
