The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
