NUUK, Greenland — Vice President JD Vance and his wife are scheduled to visit a U.S. military base in Greenland this Friday. The trip was reduced in scope following objections from Greenlanders and Danes who were displeased that the initial plans were made without their input.
The couple’s adjusted visit to the semi-autonomous Danish territory occurs amidst strained relations between the U.S. and Denmark after former U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested the U.S. should have some form of control over the mineral-rich territory. Denmark is a long-standing U.S. ally and NATO member.
Friday’s one-day visit to the U.S. Space Force installation at Pituffik, located on Greenland’s northwest coast, eliminates the potential for a diplomatic breach. The original plan could have been viewed as sending a delegation to another country without a formal invitation. It also lowers the chances of Vance and his wife encountering residents upset by Trump’s comments about annexing the territory.
Leading up to the visit, four of the five parties elected to Greenland’s parliament earlier this month formed a new coalition government, uniting in response to Trump’s ambitions for the territory.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated on Tuesday that the visit, initially planned for three days, created “unacceptable pressure.” On Thursday, Danish public broadcaster DR quoted her as saying, “We really want to collaborate with the Americans on defense and security within the kingdom. However, Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.”
Initially, Usha Vance had announced a solo trip to the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut. Subsequently, her husband stated he would accompany her, but the itinerary was changed again, following protests from Greenland and Denmark, to a one-day visit to the military post.
Nevertheless, in an interview on Wednesday, Trump reiterated his desire for U.S. control over Greenland. When asked if the people there were “eager” to become U.S. citizens, Trump said he didn’t know “but I think we have to do it, and we have to convince them.”
Residents of Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, which is approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) south of Pituffik, expressed concerns regarding Vance’s visit and the U.S. interest in their island.
Cora Høy, 22, said Vance was “welcome if he wants to see it but of course Greenland is not for sale.” She also stated that “it’s not normal around here” with all the attention Greenland is receiving. “I feel now every day is about (Trump) and I just want to get away from it.”
“It’s all a bit crazy. Of course the population here is a bit shook up,” said 30-year-old Inuk Kristensen. “My opinion is the same as everyone’s: Of course you don’t do things this way. You don’t just come here and say that you want to buy the place.”
As the nautical gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, Greenland possesses significant strategic value. Both China and Russia are seeking access to its waterways and natural resources.
During his first term, Trump suggested purchasing the world’s largest island, even though Denmark insisted it was not for sale. The people of Greenland have also firmly rejected Trump’s plans.
Vance has repeatedly criticized long-standing European allies for depending on U.S. military support, openly antagonizing partners in ways that have raised concerns about the reliability of the U.S.
Opponents of Trump’s plans to control Greenland announced a rally in front of the American embassy in the Danish capital for Saturday, DR reported Thursday.
—Grieshaber reported from Berlin.