Is Greenland next? Why US’ attack on Venezuela revives fear
Since Trump's inauguration in January last year, his statements on Greenland raised concerns constantly among European countries. It may be noted that Greenland is considered strategically important due to significant potential for mineral deposits.
Nuuk: With the US attacking Venezuela and capturing President Nicolas Maduro, a fresh fear has gripped Greenland on whether the Donald Trump administration will target it next. On various occasions in the past, Trump had mentioned that he did not rule on military actions against Greenland.
What Trump said on Greenland in a recent interview?
In an interview earlier, Trump had said that the US needed Greenland for international security. After this statement, Denmark labeled it a security risk to the US, signaling a major shift in ties between the US and Europe.
Since Trump's inauguration in January last year, his statements on Greenland raised concerns constantly among European countries. It may be noted that Greenland is considered strategically important due to significant potential for mineral deposits. Pitufik is also the home to the US' northernmost military base, which was visited by US Vice President JD Vance in March last year.
The Prime Ministers of Denmark and Greenland had stated that a country's borders and sovereignty are determined by international law, and that no other country has the right to . Even as most people in Greenland want independence from Denmark, they do not want to become part of the United States.
Trump's supporters are making statements on Greenland
Following the latest developments in Venezuela, new concerns are emerging in Greenland. Immediately after the latest attack, Donald Trump's supporters in the US have started making statements about Greenland. This has led to an increase in fears that the US may attempt to annex Greenland.
Just hours after the US crackdown on Venezuela, Katie Miller, a right-wing podcaster, shared the map of Greenland with the American flag on the social media platform X. Notably, Miller is the wife of Stephen Miller, a close aide of Trump. The post has sparked outrage in Denmark and Greenland.
Why Denmark raised objections?
Responding to the post, Denmark's Ambassador to the United States, Jesper Møller Sorensen said that the US and Denmark are long-standing and trusted allies. Pointing out that both countries work together to protect the Arctic region, he further added that America's security is linked to the security of Greenland and Denmark.
Sorensen also noted that Denmark has increased its defense budget to approximately $13.7 billion last year with an aim to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions. He also clarified that Denmark expected full respect for its territorial borders and sovereignty.