Vance to Visit U.S. Base in Greenland, Avoiding Local Backlash/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. Vice President JD Vance has revised his Greenland visit to avoid public events amid growing backlash to Trump-era annexation efforts. Vance will now visit the U.S. Space Force base at Pituffik, instead of attending a local dogsled race. The change offers cautious relief to Denmark and Greenland, though concerns remain about U.S. intentions.
Vance’s Greenland Shift: Quick Looks
- Original Plan: Usha Vance to attend a dogsled race in Sisimiut
- New Plan: JD Vance to visit Pituffik Space Force Base
- Backdrop: Trump renews call for U.S. control of Greenland
- Reaction: Danish and Greenlandic officials express cautious relief
Vance to Visit U.S. Base in Greenland, Avoiding Local Backlash
Deep Look:
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Greenland and Denmark appeared cautiously relieved Wednesday after learning that U.S. Vice President JD Vance had altered his controversial upcoming trip to Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, avoiding public interaction with residents upset by the Trump administration’s push to annex the island.
Instead of his wife Usha Vance attending the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut as originally planned, the couple will now visit the U.S. Space Force outpost at Pituffik on Greenland’s northwest coast.
The decision appears to be a strategic pivot to defuse diplomatic tensions and avoid reigniting local protests that have flared since President Donald Trump renewed his call for U.S. control over the Arctic island.
Trump’s Comments Fuel Controversy
On Wednesday’s episode of “The Vince Show,” Trump reiterated his view that the U.S. should pursue Greenland:
“I don’t know if they want it, but I think we have to do it, and we have to convince them.”
His remarks have once again stoked anxiety in Greenland and Denmark, with critics calling the move colonial in tone and legally untenable. Denmark previously rejected Trump’s 2019 proposal to purchase Greenland, and local leaders have remained firm in their opposition to any form of annexation.
Visiting Pituffik Avoids Diplomatic Traps
The Space Force base visit falls within the scope of the 1951 U.S.-Denmark defense agreement, allowing for American military presence on the island without requiring new diplomatic approvals.
But experts say the optics remain troubling.
“It’s a strong signal to Denmark, to Greenland, and even to the U.S. public, that annexation is still on the table,” said Anne Merrild, an expert in Arctic development.
Marc Jacobsen, of the Royal Danish Defense College, called the timing “controversial,” noting that Greenland is in the middle of coalition negotiations after recent elections.
Backlash Escalates in Greenland and Denmark
The Greenlandic government made clear its displeasure, posting Monday that it had “not extended any invitations” for visits — official or private. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed the sentiment Tuesday, calling the trip “unacceptable pressure.”
The trip has become a diplomatic minefield, with critics questioning U.S. motives and Greenlanders expressing growing mistrust of Washington.
“We have no idea what the end game is,” said Peter Viggo Jakobsen of the Danish Defense Academy.
Local Politics Complicated by U.S. Interest
Greenland’s Naleraq party, the only major faction supportive of closer U.S. ties and eventual independence, has been excluded from ongoing government talks — a move likely influenced by the Trump administration’s renewed interest in the island.
Jakobsen warned that Trump’s strategy could backfire:
“Now Trump has scared most Greenlanders away from the idea of a close relationship with the United States because they don’t trust him.”
Independence, Economy, and Strategy
Greenland’s dependence on Denmark remains significant, with an annual block grant of 3.5 billion kroner ($506 million) funding more than half its public budget. Fishing makes up 90% of its exports, leaving the economy vulnerable and ill-prepared for full independence.
Jakobsen noted that Greenland’s best strategy might be threatening independence to extract more concessions from Denmark — rather than actually severing ties or aligning fully with the U.S.
“If they pin their hopes on the U.S., there’s no guarantee they’ll be better off or have any real power,” he said.
“In that sense, Trump is Denmark’s best ally — he’s keeping Greenland closer to Copenhagen.”
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