The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together 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 work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, 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 president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, 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 unified and forceful 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 complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
