Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
