Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed 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 troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
