Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
