Greenland’s political leadership has strongly condemned planned visits by Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, and Trump’s National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz. The backlash comes in the wake of renewed speculation about former President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring the Arctic island, a notion he has previously floated.
Outgoing Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede expressed his displeasure, calling the visits “aggressive” and stating that neither Vance nor Waltz had been formally invited for diplomatic meetings. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the island’s likely next leader, went further, accusing the U.S. of disrespecting Greenland’s sovereignty. “This is not how allies should behave,” Nielsen told local media, emphasizing that the U.S. must recognize Greenland’s autonomy rather than treat it as a strategic asset.
Greenland’s Geopolitical Importance and U.S. Interests
Greenland, the world’s largest island, has been under Danish rule for approximately 300 years. While it manages its own domestic affairs, Denmark retains control over foreign and defense policies. The U.S. has maintained a strategic interest in Greenland for decades, operating a key military base on the island since World War II.
Recent reports suggest that Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland is linked to its vast reserves of rare earth minerals, which are crucial for modern technology and defense systems. Trump’s son, Donald Jr., previously visited Greenland before his father’s inauguration, further fueling speculation about American ambitions. With growing Arctic competition involving Russia and China, U.S. officials see Greenland as a valuable geopolitical asset, leading to concerns that these visits could be a prelude to stronger American influence.
Usha Vance’s Cultural Visit and Official Justifications
Despite political opposition, the White House has defended Usha Vance’s planned visit, stating that it is purely cultural. Vance, who will be accompanied by her son, is expected to visit historical sites and attend Greenland’s national dogsled race, Avannaata Qimussersu. A White House statement described the visit as a “celebration of Greenlandic culture and unity.”
However, local politicians remain skeptical. Given the wider context of Trump’s comments about Greenland and his administration’s persistent interest in the region, many Greenlanders view the visit with suspicion. “This is not just a family trip,” a local government official stated anonymously. “It feels like an attempt to soften resistance while advancing a larger agenda.”
Security Concerns Over Waltz’s Visit
The arrival of National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is generating even greater controversy. According to reports from CBS News, Waltz is expected to visit Greenland before Vance and will be joined by Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Outgoing PM Egede described the visit as a “provocation,” questioning why a top U.S. security official is engaging with Greenland in a non-military capacity.
“What is the Security Adviser doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to show a demonstration of power to us,” Egede told local newspaper Sermitsiaq. His successor, Nielsen, echoed these concerns, arguing that the visit signals a lack of respect for Greenlandic governance. The U.S. National Security Council, however, defended the trip, stating that it was an opportunity to strengthen Arctic cooperation and learn more about Greenlandic culture.
Trump’s Takeover Talk Sparks Renewed Backlash
The controversy escalated after Trump reportedly told NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that acquiring Greenland was vital for U.S. security. “You know, Mark, we need that for international security… We have a lot of our favorite players cruising around the coast, and we have to be careful,” Trump said, according to sources. When asked directly about annexation, Trump responded, “I think that will happen.”
This statement provoked immediate backlash from Greenlandic politicians. In a rare show of unity, Greenland’s major political parties issued a joint statement condemning Trump’s remarks as “unacceptable.” The issue played a central role in the recent Greenlandic elections, with Nielsen’s Democratic Party defeating Egede’s Inuit Ataqatigiit, which had been more cautious about relations with the U.S.
While nearly 80% of Greenlanders support independence from Denmark, a recent poll indicated an even larger percentage reject the idea of becoming part of the U.S. With mounting geopolitical tensions and continued American interest, the question of Greenland’s future remains a contentious issue.
