JD Vance’s visit to Greenland comes amid discussions of US President Trump’s interest in acquiring the Arctic territory.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has accused the United States of exerting “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland in advance of a high-level visit to the Arctic territory led by US Vice President JD Vance, which she considered a provocation.
Vance, known for his aggressive stance on foreign policy for President Donald Trump, plans to visit the US’s Pituffik Space Base in Greenland to address Arctic security issues and meet with US servicemembers according to his office.
Frederiksen expressed her opposition to the trip, stating that it produced unwelcome pressure on Greenland and Denmark and did not align with Greenland’s needs or desires.
Frederiksen emphasized that President Trump is serious about acquiring Greenland, and this visit cannot be seen in isolation.
Greenland’s acting head of government, Mute Egede, characterized the uninvited US visit as provocative, coinciding with ongoing government coalition talks and municipal elections in the territory.
The outgoing Greenlandic government stated it had not invited any officials for visits, private or official, and requested all countries to respect the process of forming a new government coalition.
Since Trump’s return to power in January, he has insisted on the importance of taking over Greenland for national security, suggesting the possibility of military force.
Vance stated that the focus of their visit is to reinvigorate the security of Greenland’s people, which they believe is vital to global security.
Vance’s visit includes White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, thus mitigating some potential diplomatic issues by not requiring an official invitation.
Vance has previously criticized US’s European allies for relying on American military support and failing to invest in international security, which has strained relations.
Denmark and other European countries have expressed disapproval of Trump’s suggestion that the US should take control of Greenland, given its strategic and rich mineral resources.
The visit is seen by analysts as a “charm offensive without the charm,” indicating that it is an effort to intimidate Greenland’s population and provoke Denmark.
Vance, known for his aggressive stance on foreign policy for President Donald Trump, plans to visit the US’s Pituffik Space Base in Greenland to address Arctic security issues and meet with US servicemembers according to his office.
Frederiksen expressed her opposition to the trip, stating that it produced unwelcome pressure on Greenland and Denmark and did not align with Greenland’s needs or desires.
Frederiksen emphasized that President Trump is serious about acquiring Greenland, and this visit cannot be seen in isolation.
Greenland’s acting head of government, Mute Egede, characterized the uninvited US visit as provocative, coinciding with ongoing government coalition talks and municipal elections in the territory.
The outgoing Greenlandic government stated it had not invited any officials for visits, private or official, and requested all countries to respect the process of forming a new government coalition.
Since Trump’s return to power in January, he has insisted on the importance of taking over Greenland for national security, suggesting the possibility of military force.
Vance stated that the focus of their visit is to reinvigorate the security of Greenland’s people, which they believe is vital to global security.
Vance’s visit includes White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, thus mitigating some potential diplomatic issues by not requiring an official invitation.
Vance has previously criticized US’s European allies for relying on American military support and failing to invest in international security, which has strained relations.
Denmark and other European countries have expressed disapproval of Trump’s suggestion that the US should take control of Greenland, given its strategic and rich mineral resources.
The visit is seen by analysts as a “charm offensive without the charm,” indicating that it is an effort to intimidate Greenland’s population and provoke Denmark.
