US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" 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 Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.