Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
