Denmark has retaliated against comments made by JD Vance, the US vice-president, asserting that Copenhagen has not done enough for Greenland. This remark was made during a recent visit to the Pituffik space base in Greenland (viewed as a provocation by both Copenhagen and Nuuk).

Vance criticized Denmark, claiming that they have not sufficiently invested in Greenland’s people and security. The Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, responded, acknowledging openness to criticism but expressing discontent with the tone in which it was delivered, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful dialogue with close allies.

Vance argued for the strategic importance of Greenland for the US, both in terms of national and international security, and did not rule out the possibility of the US securing the territory. He stressed that Greenland understands the importance of US ownership. Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, among others, disagreed, highlighting Denmark’s long-standing support for the US and questioning the accuracy of Vance’s claims.

This diplomatic tension is unfolding as Greenland remains a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, its foreign and security policies managed by Copenhagen. Despite Greenland’s political parties favoring independence, none support the idea of joining the US. In response to the situation, Greenland’s political leaders signed a coalition agreement that strongly asserts Greenland belongs to its people, demonstrating unity in the face of external pressures.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/29/denmark-hits-back-at-tone-of-us-vice-presidents-criticism-over-greenland