US Vice President JD Vance stated on Friday that Denmark has "underinvested" in Greenland’s security and insisted that Denmark alter its approach, as President Donald Trump continues to push for US control over the Danish territory, reports AP.
These sharp remarks were made during Vance’s visit to US troops stationed at Pituffik Space Base on the resource-rich and strategically significant island. Accompanied by his wife and other senior US officials, Vance’s trip was ultimately scaled back following backlash from Greenlanders and Danes who had not been consulted about the initial itinerary.
“Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not served the people of Greenland well,” Vance said. “You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and in the security framework of this remarkable, beautiful landmass filled with extraordinary individuals. That must change.”
Vance asserted that the US has “no option” but to take a prominent role in ensuring Greenland’s security, while also supporting the island’s movement towards independence from Denmark.
“I believe they will ultimately align with the United States,” Vance stated. “We could make them significantly more secure. We could offer much stronger protection. And I think they would benefit economically as well.”
However, reactions from Greenland’s parliament members and citizens suggest otherwise, as widespread outrage erupted over the Trump administration’s efforts to annex the Arctic island. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected Vance’s assertion that Denmark was failing in Arctic defense, emphasising that Denmark remains “a good and strong ally.”
Upon arrival, Vance briefly addressed US troops at the base and had lunch with them alongside his wife, reaffirming the Trump administration’s deep interest in “Arctic security.” His entourage—including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Utah Senator Mike Lee—also received briefings from military officials.
The delegation landed at the remote base, located 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle, where temperatures were minus-3 degrees F (minus-19 degrees C). “It’s cold as s—- here. Nobody told me,” Vance remarked, eliciting laughter.
The modified trip to Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, comes amid deteriorating US-Denmark relations, despite Denmark’s longstanding status as a US ally and NATO member. Trump has repeatedly proposed that the US should assume control of Greenland in some capacity.
During his concluding remarks, Vance emphasised that military intervention would not be necessary, advocating instead for an expanded American presence on the island.
“Because we believe the people of Greenland are rational and reasonable, we anticipate that we’ll need to negotiate a deal—Trump-style—to ensure both the security of this territory and that of the United States,” Vance stated, while acknowledging Greenlanders’ right to determine their own future.
In Washington, Trump reaffirmed on Friday that the US “needs Greenland for international security.”
Speaking to reporters shortly after Vance’s arrival, Trump pointed to growing Chinese and Russian interests in the Arctic, where melting ice has opened new maritime routes.
“Greenland is crucial to global peace,” Trump declared. “I think Denmark understands this, and so does the European Union. And if they don’t, we will have to make it clear to them.”
Following Vance’s speech, Frederiksen countered that Denmark is already strengthening its defense capabilities in the Arctic, including the deployment of new Arctic ships and long-range drones.
She also stressed that, as Greenland is part of NATO, protecting the Arctic is a collective responsibility. Referring to Denmark’s commitment to the US in its war on terror, she criticised Vance’s remarks as “an unfair characterization” of Denmark’s efforts.
Denmark’s ambassador to the US, Jesper Møller Sørensen, expressed gratitude to Vance “for taking a closer look at Arctic security” and affirmed that both nations agree on the need for further measures.
“Greenland & Denmark share a mutual interest in strengthening our already exceptionally close ties with our friend & ally,” Sørensen posted on social media.
Ahead of Vance’s arrival, four out of the five political parties in Greenland’s newly elected parliament signed an agreement to form a broad-based coalition government. This alliance was formed in direct response to Trump’s ambitions regarding the territory.
“We are facing a time when our population is under pressure,” prime minister-designate Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated before signing the agreement, which was met with applause and cheers in Nuuk.
“We must remain united. Together, we are strongest,” Greenland’s broadcaster KNR reported.
In an Instagram post, Frederiksen congratulated Nielsen and his incoming government, expressing her eagerness for close cooperation “in an unnecessarily conflict-filled time.”
Frederiksen had earlier criticised the planned US visit, initially scheduled to last three days, saying it placed “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland. While Denmark remains committed to working with the US on security matters, she insisted that Greenland belongs to its people.
Originally, Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, had planned a solo trip to Sisimiut to attend the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race. The vice president later announced that he would join her, but after protests from Greenland and Denmark, the itinerary was altered again to limit the visit to a single day at the military base.
Residents of Nuuk, located approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) south of Pituffik, voiced concerns about Vance’s visit and the US interest in their homeland.
Cora Høy, 22, commented that while Vance was “welcome to visit,” Greenland was “not for sale.” She added, “It’s unusual for Greenland to receive this level of attention. Every day now seems to be about (Trump), and I just want a break from it.”
“It’s all quite overwhelming. Naturally, the population is unsettled,” said 30-year-old Inuk Kristensen. “I share the same sentiment as everyone else: This is not the right way to handle things. You don’t just show up and announce you want to buy the place.”
As a strategic gateway to the Arctic and the North Atlantic approaches to North America, Greenland holds significant geopolitical value, particularly as China and Russia seek access to its waterways and natural resources.
“We must ensure that America leads in the Arctic, because if we don’t, other nations will take advantage of the gaps we leave behind,” Vance asserted.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
