Second Lady Usha Vance, spouse of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, is set to visit Greenland this week, as announced by the White House on Sunday. Vance will be accompanied by one of her three children and a U.S. delegation that includes President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. The trio will explore historical sites, participate in Greenland’s heritage activities, and attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, the Arctic territory’s national dogsled race.

“The delegation is looking forward to witnessing this important race and celebrating Greenlandic culture and unity,” according to the White House. A U.S. official added that Waltz and Wright are expected to visit a U.S. military base in Greenland during their trip.

Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory located between Europe and North America, is rich in minerals and strategically important in the Arctic Ocean. President Trump has previously expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland for security purposes, even considering the use of force, despite the territory’s formal affiliation with Denmark, a U.S. ally and NATO member.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen remarked to Greenlandic daily Sermitsiaq that “the U.S. delegation’s visit cannot be seen in isolation from Trump’s public statements,” noting Denmark’s commitment to working with the U.S. while upholding sovereignty and respect between countries and peoples. Public opinion polls indicate a majority of Greenland’s population supports independence from Denmark but opposes potential annexation by the U.S. A Greenlandic party advocating for gradual independence from Denmark has recently won a general election in the territory.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/us-second-lady-usha-vance-to-visit-greenland/a-72013993?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf