Usha Vance, the spouse of US Vice-President JD Vance, is scheduled to travel to Greenland. This visit comes as President Donald Trump persists with his interest in the potential US annexation of this strategic, semi-autonomous Danish territory.

Scheduled for Thursday, Vance will accompany a US delegation to explore historical sites, learn about Greenland’s heritage, and participate in the national dogsled race, according to a White House statement.

The delegation is set to return to the US by 29 March. Joining Vance will be the White House national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and the energy secretary, Chris Wright. They will also visit a US military base in Greenland. The White House has not yet responded to a request for additional comment.

Since re-taking office on 20 January, Trump has frequently discussed the potential annexation of Greenland, stating it will become a part of the US “one way or the other”.

In an interview with Greenland’s newspaper Sermitsiaq, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, labeled the impending visit by Waltz as “a provocation”, insinuating it’s a demonstration of power that won’t be mistaken.

He emphasized, “It is not to be misunderstood. He is Trump’s trusted and closest advisor, and his presence in Greenland will surely lead the Americans to believe in Trump’s mission. The pressure will intensify after this visit.”

Considering Greenland’s strategic location and mineral resources, such an annexation could hold significant benefits for the US. The route to North America is vital for the US missile warning system.

Both Greenland’s and Denmark’s governments have expressed opposition to this idea.

The newly elected Greenlandic government, which currently holds a caretaker capacity after a surprise victory by an independence-favoring party, hasn’t commented on the upcoming visit.

Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, stated in response to news of the visit, “We take this seriously.” Denmark seeks cooperation with the US but insists that this cooperation must respect “the fundamental principles of sovereignty”.

She stated that dialogue concerning Greenland will be conducted in close consultation with both the Danish government and Greenland’s future government.

Reported by Reuters