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Greenland’s politicians have condemned plans for high-profile US visits, following President Donald Trump’s threats to take over the island. Second Lady Usha Vance will make a cultural visit this week, and a separate trip is expected from Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Outgoing Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede described the plan as aggressive, and said the duo had not been invited for meetings. Meanwhile, the island’s likely next leader accused the US of showing a lack of respect. Greenland, the world’s biggest island, has been controlled by Denmark for about 300 years.
Greenland governs its own domestic affairs, but decisions on foreign and defence policy are made in Copenhagen. The US has long held a security interest in the island and has had a military base there since World War Two. Trump’s son Donald Jr visited Greenland before Trump’s inauguration in January.
Trump appeared to escalate his campaign to take over Greenland during a conversation with Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte earlier this month. Greenland was already on the defensive about Trump’s talk of a takeover, but he sent further shockwaves by implying he might ask to take the island with support of Nato, a military alliance of which Denmark is also a part.
During a speech to the US Congress, Trump said he strongly supported the people of Greenland’s right to determine their own future. “If you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America,” he said. According to recent polls, almost 80% of Greenlanders back independence from Denmark, but an opinion survey in January suggested an even greater number rejected the idea of becoming part of the US.
During a speech to the US Congress, Trump said he strongly supported the people of Greenland’s right to determine their own future. “If you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America,” he said. According to recent polls, almost 80% of Greenlanders back independence from Denmark, but an opinion survey in January suggested an even greater number rejected the idea of becoming part of the US.
