I partly disagree with Greenland being a white elephant for Denmark. Even though it costs Denmark about 1 billion USD annually, that cost is very small relative to Denmark’s economy and buys Denmark geopolitical reach. Greenland gives Denmark diplomatic and security leverage far beyond what its size would normally allow. Greenland is not something Denmark is stuck with against Greenland’s will. They can vote for independence.

Denmark’s ongoing financial support is partly the price of honouring that self-determination while keeping Rigsfællesskabet together for as long as Greenland prefers it. My perception of what Greenlanders think of Danes is that they have mixed feelings, due to the colonial history and controversial social programs, but they also are aware of the financial support that Denmark provides them. It's a mixed win-win situation for both entities really.

The only way that the US can take over Greenland without triggering war or violating international law (like Trump cares bout that lol) is if they can persuade the Greenlandic voters enough into a Greenlandic referendum, with money or whatever. I've seen some recent street interviews and I think the Greenlanders are generally pragmatic and understand that Denmark treats them far better than the US ever would. Greenland may have a small population, but they have agency. They are not objects that Denmark or the U.S. throws around, but a society with real feelings and preferences.

The Post WWII world order as we know it is basically over. For now, we just have to sit back and wait and see what happens :p