Vice-President JD Vance and his wife Usha plan to travel to Greenland this Friday. The visit comes after Donald Trump made threats to take over the island. The couple will be visiting the Pituffik Space Base to receive information regarding Arctic security and meet members of the US forces present there. Usha had planned a cultural visit initially before her husband joined. The trip has been criticized by officials in Greenland, who feel it is disrespectful.

Greenland has been governed by Denmark for nearly 300 years, covering domestic affairs but with Copenhagen making decisions regarding foreign and defense policy. The US has maintained a security interest and a military presence in Greenland since World War II. The Pituffik Space Base supports missile warning, air defense, and space surveillance missions.

JD Vance, in a video on social media, expressed excitement about his wife’s trip and plans to join her. He said the visit is a security check of the island, as several countries have threatened Greenland and its territories. Vance also mentioned that the Trump administration desires to strengthen the security of Greenland, which has been overlooked for too long.

It is not confirmed if Mike Waltz, Trump’s National Security Adviser, is still scheduled to visit Greenland. Dr. Dwayne Ryan Menezes of the Polar Research and Policy Initiative think tank criticized the visit, calling it highly unusual for US officials to visit without an invitation, especially after a national election in Greenland where the next government is still in negotiations.

Menezes acknowledged the US’ interest in Greenland’s security due to its strategic importance but called the aggressive approach in light of Trump’s comments about acquiring the territory “inexplicable.” Recent polls show that nearly 80% of Greenlanders support independence from Denmark, but a survey in January indicated even more opposition to the idea of becoming part of the US.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgwjllld1ro