Greenland officials condemn the US delegation’s visit following Trump’s remarks on a possible acquisition

Greenlandic leaders have expressed their disapproval of an upcoming visit by a prominent U.S. delegation to the semi-autonomous Danish territory, which President Donald Trump has previously suggested the U.S. should acquire. The delegation, set to tour a U.S. military base and observe a dogsled race, will be headed by Usha Vance, spouse of Vice President JD Vance, and will also include White House national security adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

Trump has emphasized the idea of U.S. annexation of Greenland since his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., made a private visit to the resource-rich island in January. Mute Egede, Greenland’s outgoing prime minister, labeled the delegation’s visit, scheduled from Thursday to Saturday, as a “provocation” and stated that his caretaker government would not engage with them. “Not long ago, we could rely on the Americans, who were our allies and friends, and with whom we collaborated closely,” Egede remarked to the local newspaper Sermitsiaq. “But that era has passed.”

The Greenlandic government, known as Naalakkersuisut, is currently in a caretaker mode following the March 11 parliamentary elections, which were won by the Democrats, a pro-business party advocating for a gradual approach to independence from Denmark. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the leader of the Democrats, called for political unity and criticized the timing of the U.S. delegation’s visit during coalition discussions and ahead of municipal elections next week, stating it “once again demonstrates a lack of respect for the Greenlandic people.”

Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, stated that the visit by the U.S. delegation “offers a chance to strengthen partnerships that honor Greenland’s self-determination and promote economic collaboration.” “This visit is simply an opportunity to learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people, as well as to attend a dogsled race that the United States is proud to sponsor,” Hughes added.

ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES

Late Sunday, two U.S. Hercules military transport aircraft landed in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, delivering security personnel and armored vehicles, as reported by Sermitsiaq. Additionally, approximately 60 police officers from Denmark arrived in Nuuk on the same day, according to state broadcaster KNR.

Greenland’s advantageous location and its abundant oil, gas, and mineral resources present potential benefits for the U.S. It is situated along the most direct route between Europe and North America, which is crucial for the U.S. ballistic missile warning system.

Waltz and Wright are scheduled to visit the Pituffik space base, a U.S. military installation in Greenland. The White House announced that they would receive briefings from U.S. service members stationed there. Following this, they will accompany Vance to explore historical sites and participate in the national dogsled race.

In a video shared by the U.S. consulate in Greenland, Vance expressed that her visit aims to “honor the longstanding history of mutual respect and collaboration between our nations.”

Former President Trump, who initially proposed the idea of purchasing Greenland in 2019, has reiterated his calls for U.S. acquisition of the island since returning to the White House in January, even suggesting the possibility of using force to achieve this goal.

Both the governments of Greenland and Denmark have expressed their opposition to any U.S. takeover. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen commented in writing on the U.S. delegation’s visit, stating, “This is something we take seriously.” She emphasized that while Denmark seeks cooperation with the United States, a NATO ally, it must be grounded in “the fundamental rules of sovereignty,” noting that both Copenhagen and Greenland’s future government would be involved in any discussions with the U.S. regarding the island.