Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic 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 president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
