The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry 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 stated.
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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
