The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, 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 representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 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 Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern 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 little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
