U.S. President Donald Trump insisted that the planned visit to Greenland by U.S. officials was "purely friendly," after Greenland's Prime Minister called the visit "extremely aggressive." This comes after Trump previously vowed to annex the Danish autonomous territory, causing relations between the two countries to plummet to a new low. The visit is set against a backdrop of strained relations between the two countries due to the territorial issue.
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03-29, 2025According to a statement released by the White House, U.S. Vice President JD Vance's wife, Usha Vance, will travel to Greenland this week to watch the island's national dog sled race and "celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity." Trump said on Monday (Tuesday morning AEST) that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would also be traveling, and a source familiar with the trip said National Security Advisor Mike Waltz is also expected to visit. The composition and purpose of the delegation have sparked widespread attention.
Greenland's Prime Minister Múte B. Egede, in an interview with the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq on Sunday, called the U.S. delegation's visit to the island "extremely aggressive" and specifically opposed Waltz's visit. Egede said: "What is the National Security Advisor doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to show power over us." He added: "His mere presence in Greenland will undoubtedly fuel the Americans' belief in Trump's mission - the pressure will increase."
Trump claimed that Greenland "is being somewhat abandoned" and stated that "Greenland could be something for our future." He emphasized: "This is friendliness, not provocation." Trump also said that many Greenlanders want to see Greenland properly protected and cared for. "They're calling us. We didn't call them. We were invited, and I think it's going to be a great thing - I have great respect for our great Vice President's wife - I think she's doing a fantastic job - she's an outstanding woman. She's a very friendly woman, and she loves the concept of Greenland."
Trump's idea of annexing Greenland has drawn international attention to the region, which possesses rare earth mineral deposits critical to the high-tech industry, and raised questions about the island's future security as the United States, Russia, and China vie for influence in the Arctic. Despite strong opposition from Denmark and Greenland, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring the island through force or economic coercion. Egede stated that Greenlanders' efforts to maintain a diplomatic stance have only "hit a brick wall in Donald Trump and his administration's mission to own and control Greenland."
Egede's ruling left-wing party, IA Inuit Ataqatigiit, lost in parliamentary elections earlier this month, but he remains Prime Minister until a new governing coalition is formed. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who is expected to become Greenland's next leader, said the timing of the U.S. visit shows "a lack of respect." Nielsen told Sermitsiaq: "The fact that the Americans are well aware that we are still in negotiations and that the municipal elections are not over, and they still use this opportunity to come to Greenland again, shows a lack of respect for the Greenlandic people."
The White House described Vance's visit as a cultural trip, stating that the Second Lady "will travel to Greenland with her son and a U.S. delegation to visit historical sites, learn about Greenlandic cultural heritage, and attend the Greenland National Dog Sled Race, Avannaata Qimussersua." The White House statement said: "Mrs. Vance and the delegation are delighted to witness this momentous race and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity." It is unclear whether the United States has ever sent a delegation to a dog sled race, let alone one led by the Second Lady.
Denmark ruled Greenland as a colony until 1953, when the island gained greater autonomy. In 2009, it gained greater power over minerals, policing, and the courts, but Denmark still controls security, defense, foreign affairs, and monetary policy. Greenland also benefits from Denmark's membership in the EU and NATO. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a written comment to Reuters that the U.S. delegation's visit was "something we take seriously." She said Denmark wants to work with the United States, but that should be based on "the basic rules of sovereignty."
While Greenlandic politicians have repeatedly stated their opposition to annexation, they are open to agreements with the United States on rare earth mining, expanding tourism, strengthening diplomatic ties, and other investments. Reuters reported that a January poll commissioned by Danish and Greenlandic newspapers found that 85% of Greenlanders do not want to become part of the United States, and nearly half said Trump's interest is a threat. The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., also made headlines when he visited Greenland in January. Trump Jr. posted on social media at the time: "Greenland is an incredible place and the people there would benefit greatly if it were part of our country and when it becomes part of our country. We will protect it and cherish it from a very evil outside world. Make Greenland Great Again!"
