U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark on Friday for its inadequate efforts to ensure the safety of Greenland, proposing that the United States could provide better protection for the semi-autonomous Danish territory, which President Donald Trump has previously expressed interest in acquiring.
During his visit to the U.S. military base at Pituffik in northern Greenland, Vance stated that while there are no immediate plans to increase the U.S. military presence on the ground, investments will be made in resources such as additional naval vessels.
He affirmed the importance of respecting Greenland’s sovereignty but implied that the territory would recognize the advantages of collaborating with the U.S., a statement that the Danish prime minister deemed unjust. “Denmark has not kept pace or allocated the necessary resources to maintain this base, support our troops, and, in my opinion, protect the people of Greenland from aggressive actions by Russia, China, and other countries,” Vance remarked, without providing specifics on the alleged threats.
Trump has often asserted that acquiring the island is crucial for U.S. security, as Denmark has governed Greenland since 1721.
Vance’s pointed criticisms of Denmark—a long-standing U.S. ally and NATO member—highlight the Trump administration’s disregard for traditional alliances. He has been particularly outspoken, previously addressing European officials on issues of free speech and illegal immigration during a recent trip, and later accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of lacking appreciation for Trump during a tense White House meeting.
In Greenland, Vance noted that Russia, China, and other nations are showing significant interest in Arctic shipping routes, naval pathways, and regional minerals. He emphasized that the U.S. would enhance its investment in resources, including naval ships and military icebreakers, to establish a stronger presence in the area.
As concerns grew among Greenlanders regarding the visit, Vance assured them that the people of Greenland would have “self-determination” and that the U.S. would honor their sovereignty. “I believe they will ultimately collaborate with the United States,” Vance stated. “We can enhance their security significantly. We could provide much greater protection, and I think they would also experience improved economic conditions.”
His comments followed the announcement of a new broad government coalition in Nuuk, which aims to maintain current ties with Denmark. Greenland’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, remarked that the U.S. visit indicated a “lack of respect,” while Danish leaders reaffirmed their support for Greenland.
“For many years, we have stood alongside the Americans in challenging situations. Thus, the vice president’s characterization of Denmark is not accurate,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated to the Danish news agency Ritzau.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen acknowledged Vance’s point about insufficient efforts but expressed frustration, noting that the U.S. has also fallen short. He highlighted that currently, the U.S. maintains a base with 200 soldiers in Greenland, whereas during the Cold War, there were 17 military installations housing 10,000 soldiers.
While Vance’s visit was ongoing, Trump informed reporters at the White House that the U.S. requires Greenland to ensure “the peace of the entire world.”
Greenland is crucial for international security, and we cannot afford to overlook its importance. As Trump stated, “We must have Greenland. It’s not a matter of whether we can do without it; we simply cannot.” He emphasized that the waters around Greenland are frequented by “Chinese and Russian ships,” and the U.S. will not depend on Denmark or any other nation to manage this issue.
Vance arrived at the remote base, located 750 miles (1,200 km) north of the Arctic Circle, where he expressed gratitude to the U.S. armed forces for their service. The temperature at Pituffik was recorded at minus 3 degrees Fahrenheit (-19 C). He was joined on this trip by his wife Usha, national security adviser Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
According to a 1951 agreement, the U.S. has the right to access its base at any time, provided it informs Greenland and Copenhagen. Pituffik is strategically positioned along the shortest route between Europe and North America, making it essential for the U.S. ballistic missile warning system.
The island, whose capital is closer to New York than to Copenhagen, is rich in minerals, oil, and natural gas. However, development has been sluggish, and U.S. investment in the mining sector has been minimal, with most companies operating there being Australian, Canadian, or British. A White House official noted that Greenland possesses a significant supply of rare earth minerals that could drive the next generation of the U.S. economy.
The current issue at hand is how far Trump is prepared to advance his proposal regarding the acquisition of the island, according to Andreas Oesthagen, a senior researcher specializing in Arctic politics and security at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute in Oslo.
He informed Reuters that it remains improbable for the United States to resort to military action. However, he expressed concern that President Trump and Vice President Vance are likely to continue employing alternative forms of pressure, including vague statements, unofficial visits to Greenland, and economic strategies.
Surveys indicate that nearly all residents of Greenland are against the idea of joining the United States. Large-scale protests have erupted, with demonstrators donning “Make America Go Away” hats and carrying “Yankees Go Home” signs, marking some of the most significant demonstrations in Greenland’s history.
On Thursday, citizens in Nuuk placed Greenlandic flags in the snow alongside a cardboard sign that read “Our Land. Our Future.”
On Friday, Nielsen called for political solidarity. His pro-business party, the Democrats, which advocates for a gradual move towards independence from Denmark, emerged as the leading party in the March 11 election.
“During this challenging time for our people, we must unite,” Nielsen stated at a press conference.
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