The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis 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 couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
