2nd Lady Usha Vance to Visit Greenland as Trump Pushes Island Control/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Second lady Usha Vance will visit Greenland this week as President Trump renews calls for U.S. control over the mineral-rich territory. The visit comes amid rising tensions with Denmark, which has rebuffed the idea, and after Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark’s handling of the island. Usha Vance will join a U.S. delegation to observe cultural events and meet with local leaders.
Trump and Greenland: Quick Looks
- Usha Vance departs for Greenland on Thursday
- President Trump renews calls for U.S. control of island
- Trump says U.S. “will have” Greenland eventually
- Vice President JD Vance slams Denmark as “not a good ally”
- Greenland and Denmark officials reject U.S. takeover idea
- Delegation to attend national dogsled race, cultural events
- Trump frames move as national security, not expansionism
- Trump’s son visited U.S. military base in Greenland in January
- Trump questions Denmark’s historic claim to island
- Denmark affirms Greenland’s right to future independence
2nd Lady Usha Vance to Visit Greenland as Trump Pushes Island Control
Deep Look
Usha Vance Heads to Greenland Amid Trump’s Renewed Push for U.S. Control
WASHINGTON — Second Lady Usha Vance will travel to Greenland later this week as President Donald Trump again floats the idea of the United States asserting control over the autonomous Arctic island, despite strong resistance from both Denmark and Greenlandic leaders.
Vance, who will be accompanied by one of her three children, departs Thursday and will return Saturday. According to her office, the U.S. delegation will “visit historic sites” and “learn about Greenlandic heritage,” including attending the Avannaata Qimussersu, the country’s national dogsled race featuring 37 mushers and over 400 dogs.
Greenlandic and Danish media reported that Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, will also join the trip, though the White House has not confirmed his participation.
The visit comes just days after President Trump reiterated his belief that the United States should one day control Greenland, citing strategic national security interests rather than territorial expansion.
Trump Revives Greenland Ambitions
Trump, who first proposed buying Greenland from Denmark during his first term, has rekindled that ambition since returning to office in January. In one of his first post-inauguration remarks, he stated plainly, “I think we will have it,” referring to Greenland.
His comments have drawn sharp rebukes from Denmark and Greenland alike. All five parties in Greenland’s parliament issued a rare joint statement last week firmly rejecting any notion of U.S. control. Denmark, meanwhile, reaffirmed Greenland’s right to independence if and when it chooses to pursue it.
Nonetheless, Trump has continued to question Denmark’s claim to the island, telling NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a recent White House meeting: “A boat landed there 200 years ago or something. And they say they have rights to it. I don’t think it is, actually.”
JD Vance: ‘Denmark Not Doing Its Job’
On Sunday, Vice President JD Vance defended Trump’s posture, saying on Fox News that the president is focused on “putting American interests first.”
“Denmark is not doing its job with Greenland. They’re not being a good ally,” Vance said. “If that means we need to take more territorial interest in Greenland, that’s what President Trump is going to do.”
“He doesn’t care what the Europeans scream at us,” the vice president added.
U.S. Delegation Aims to Highlight Cultural Ties
Usha Vance’s visit is being framed as a cultural and diplomatic mission. In addition to attending the dogsled race, the delegation will explore Greenlandic heritage and engage with local communities.
“The delegation is excited to witness this monumental race and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity,” her office said.
The trip also follows a January visit to Greenland by Donald Trump Jr., who toured the Thule U.S. Air Force base — part of what Trump officials describe as a renewed American focus on Arctic interests.
Trump Eyes Broader Strategic Expansion
Beyond Greenland, Trump has floated other controversial foreign policy ideas that echo his broader “America First” approach. In recent months, he’s suggested that Canada could become America’s 51st state, that the U.S. should reclaim control of the Panama Canal, and that the Gaza Strip could be redeveloped by American interests into a Mediterranean-style resort.
These proposals have prompted criticism from foreign leaders and raised eyebrows within the diplomatic community, though Trump and his aides insist each idea stems from strategic national priorities.
Strong Pushback from Greenland and Denmark
Despite the administration’s renewed interest, Greenlandic and Danish officials remain united in opposition. Greenland’s parliament has repeatedly affirmed that the island is not for sale and retains the right to self-determination.
Denmark, which retains responsibility for Greenland’s foreign affairs and defense, has said any future decisions regarding sovereignty will be up to the people of Greenland.
For now, the second lady’s visit will focus on culture and diplomacy. But the political undertones are undeniable — and the Arctic’s role in American foreign policy is once again in sharp focus.
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