The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 remarked.
He characterized 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 Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency 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 stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
