Recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies 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 military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire 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 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."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying 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 must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now 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 who could intervene about it," she concluded.
