Greenland Slams Upcoming Visits by Usha Vance and Trump Adviser Amid Takeover Concerns
Political leaders in Greenland have fiercely criticized planned visits from Second Lady Usha Vance and Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, labeling the trips as aggressive and disrespectful, particularly in the context of Donald Trump’s revived interest in acquiring the island.
Outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede expressed strong disapproval, stating that neither visitor had been formally invited for diplomatic meetings. His likely successor, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, echoed the sentiment, accusing the United States of failing to respect the people and autonomy of Greenland.
The controversy follows Trump’s escalating rhetoric about annexing Greenland—an idea that has stirred alarm both locally and internationally. Earlier this month, Trump told NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that acquiring Greenland would be crucial for international security and hinted at NATO support for the move.
US Delegations Spark Outrage
According to the White House, Usha Vance’s visit will focus on cultural appreciation. She is set to attend historical sites and Greenland’s Avannaata Qimussersu, a national dog sled race, accompanied by her son.
Meanwhile, sources confirm Mike Waltz is expected to arrive earlier, joined by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright. The delegation is also scheduled to visit a US Space Base on the island, further fueling suspicions of strategic motives.
Egede slammed the move as “a demonstration of power,” while Nielsen emphasized the visits showed a “lack of respect” for Greenland’s self-governing status.
US Response: Arctic Interest and Economic Cooperation
A spokesperson from the US National Security Council, Brian Hughes, defended the visits, stating the Arctic region is of strategic interest and that the trip aims to strengthen economic cooperation and respect Greenland’s self-determination.
“The visits will allow first-hand engagement with US service members and help build partnerships rooted in mutual understanding,” Hughes said.
However, critics argue that the trips come amid heightened political sensitivity following Trump’s repeated claims that Greenland is key to American security interests, due in part to its rare earth mineral deposits and geographic location.
Takeover Talk Becomes Election Issue
Trump’s renewed desire to acquire Greenland made headlines again when he suggested during a speech to Congress that the island’s people could “choose” to join the United States. He added: “If you choose, we welcome you.”
The remarks triggered a united response from Greenland’s political parties, who condemned Trump’s statements as “unacceptable behavior.” During the recent election, Egede’s pro-independence party was defeated by Nielsen’s Democratic Party, which advocates for gradual independence from Denmark, but rejects becoming part of the US.
Surveys show that while nearly 80% of Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark, an even larger majority oppose joining the United States.
