Vance Blasts Denmark Over Greenland Security, Backs U.S. Role \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark for underinvesting in Greenland’s security, urging a stronger American presence and hinting at support for Greenlandic independence. The visit comes as President Trump renews interest in the island’s strategic value amid global Arctic competition.
Vance Calls for U.S. Arctic Lead in Greenland Visit: Quick Looks
- VP JD Vance accuses Denmark of underinvesting in Greenland’s defense and prosperity
- Visit to Pituffik Space Base signals renewed Trump administration interest in the Arctic
- Vance says U.S. has “no option” but to play a greater role on the island
- Trump reiterates strategic value of Greenland amid growing Chinese and Russian interest
- Trip was scaled back after backlash from Greenlandic and Danish officials
- Greenland’s new coalition government formed in response to mounting U.S. pressure
- Locals express concern over U.S. ambitions and lack of diplomatic protocol
Deep Look
In a stark escalation of the Trump administration’s foreign policy posture, Vice President JD Vance used a visit to Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland on Friday to sharply criticize Denmark’s stewardship of the island, suggest a deeper U.S. strategic role in the Arctic, and hint at potential support for Greenlandic independence from Danish rule.
Standing on one of the most remote yet geopolitically valuable locations in the Northern Hemisphere, Vance delivered pointed remarks aimed at both Copenhagen and the European Union, accusing Denmark of “underinvesting” in Greenland’s security and development.
“You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Vance said. “You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change.”
A Renewed Push for American Arctic Leadership
Vance’s remarks echo President Donald Trump’s long-held interest in Greenland, which he has previously suggested the United States should purchase or control in some form. While such a proposal has been dismissed as absurd by Danish and Greenlandic leaders, Vance appeared to revive the idea of a “Trump-style” deal, albeit with a nod toward soft power and partnership rather than military force.
“We think the people of Greenland are rational and good,” Vance said. “We’re going to have to cut a deal, Donald Trump style, to ensure the security of this territory but also the United States of America.”
During his visit, Vance encouraged Greenland’s aspirations for independence, asserting that Greenlanders could benefit more economically and defensively by aligning directly with the United States rather than Denmark.
Visit Scaled Back After Uproar in Nuuk and Copenhagen
Originally planned as a three-day diplomatic tour including cultural events and public visits, the trip was cut down to a single day following diplomatic protests from both Denmark and Greenland. Officials were outraged the visit was scheduled without consultation, violating diplomatic norms.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the original itinerary “unacceptable pressure,” and reiterated that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.”
In a message posted to Instagram, Frederiksen congratulated Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who was appointed Greenland’s new prime minister-designate just ahead of Vance’s arrival. Nielsen has formed a broad coalition government, uniting four of the five parliamentary parties in a show of resistance against foreign pressure.
“It is a time when we as a population are under pressure,” Nielsen said, urging unity. “Together we are strongest.”
Local Voices Express Alarm Over U.S. Interest
Residents in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland located over 900 miles south of Pituffik, voiced concern about the surge of foreign attention and the Trump administration’s Arctic ambitions.
“Greenland is not for sale,” said Cora Høy, 22. “It’s not normal around here with all this attention. Every day feels like it’s about Trump. I just want to get away from it.”
“It’s all a bit crazy,” added Inuk Kristensen, 30. “You don’t just come here and say you want to buy the place.”
The sentiment reflects growing unease among Greenlanders, who value their cultural identity, autonomy, and ties with Denmark, even as their homeland becomes a geopolitical focal point due to climate change, which is opening Arctic sea lanes and increasing access to mineral resources.
Trump: Greenland “Needed” for Global Stability
In Washington, President Trump doubled down on his administration’s renewed focus on Greenland, calling it “critical for global peace and American security,” especially as China and Russia step up Arctic exploration and influence.
“Greenland’s very important for the peace of the world,” Trump said. “And I think Denmark understands. And if they don’t, we’re going to have to explain it to them.”
The Arctic, once seen as a frozen frontier, has now emerged as a strategic prize for global powers. With Pituffik Space Base playing a vital role in U.S. satellite tracking and missile defense, the Trump administration sees Greenland as a linchpin in America’s northern defense strategy.
Vance Continues Confrontational Diplomacy Abroad
Friday’s stop in Greenland follows a series of provocative diplomatic moments for Vice President Vance since taking office alongside Trump in his second term:
- At the AI Summit in Paris, Vance warned allies that the U.S. would “leave them behind” if they didn’t align with Trump’s vision.
- At the Munich Security Conference, he lectured European leaders on immigration and free speech.
- In Washington, he sparked controversy by criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, resulting in a temporary freeze on aid to Kyiv.
At Pituffik, in subzero Arctic temperatures, Vance cracked a joke to troops stationed there:
“It’s cold as s— here. Nobody told me,” he said, drawing laughter.
What’s Next for U.S.-Greenland Relations?
With tensions high, the future of U.S.-Greenland relations may hinge on whether Trump’s administration pursues formal negotiations or attempts to further pressure Denmark diplomatically. Analysts say the administration’s overt support for Greenlandic independence could strain U.S.-NATO ties and further complicate European Union relations.
Yet the strategic significance of Greenland remains undeniable. As Vance concluded:
“We need to ensure that America is leading in the Arctic, because we know that if America doesn’t, other nations will fill the gap where we fall behind.”
Vance Blasts Denmark Vance Blasts Denmark
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