Recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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 must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
