Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has stated that the United States is applying “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland, ahead of an uninvited visit by a prominent US delegation to the semi-autonomous Danish territory this week.
The delegation, which will visit an American military base, includes US Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha Vance, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
On Tuesday, the US vice president announced on X that he will be traveling to Greenland on Friday. His wife had planned to attend a dog sled race on the same day, but that event was canceled, and she will now visit the Pituffik Space Base, according to the vice president’s office.
Yesterday, President Donald Trump reiterated his proposal for the US to take control of Greenland, asserting that the vast island is crucial for US national security. Ms. Frederiksen has rebuffed this idea, emphasizing that the future of Greenland should be determined by its people.
Mute Egede, Greenland’s acting head of government, has denounced the upcoming visit as a “provocation,” especially as it coincides with coalition talks and municipal elections planned for the following week.
Noa Redington, an analyst and former advisor to past Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, remarked to Reuters, “This is a charm offensive without the charm.” He added, “And everyone is upset because it’s so clear that this is aimed at intimidating the Greenlandic people and provoking Denmark.”
Since Donald Trump Jr.’s private trip to the mineral-rich island in January, Mr. Trump has frequently mentioned US annexation of Greenland and encouraged Greenlanders to become part of the United States.
Polling data indicates that nearly all Greenlanders are opposed to joining the United States.
Earlier this month, anti-American protests erupted in Nuuk, the capital, and in several other towns across the island, marking some of the largest demonstrations in Greenland’s history.
Yesterday, Mr. Trump claimed his administration was collaborating with “people in Greenland” who desire change, though he did not provide further details.
Kuno Fencker, a member of Greenland’s parliament representing the nationalist and strongly pro-independence Naleraq party, which secured second place in a general election on March 11, expressed welcome for the visit, describing it as “an honor and a strong signal of respect.”
“They are welcome in Greenland,” he told Reuters, noting that he had not communicated with the US administration regarding the visit.
Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, indicated that the delegation’s goal was to “learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people.”
Ms. Frederiksen challenged the idea that the visit was a private one with official representatives.
“The visit is clearly not about what Greenland needs or wants,” Ms. Frederiksen stated. “President Trump is serious. He wants Greenland. Therefore, (this visit) cannot be viewed independently of other factors.”
She pointed out that Denmark does not oppose relationships with the United States, referring to a 1951 bilateral agreement that allowed the US to move freely and build military bases in Greenland, with notice to Denmark and Greenland.
“We are allies,” she affirmed, adding, “There is no indication in Denmark or Greenland that we do not wish to cooperate with the Americans.”
Egede has called for stronger support from allies against the US’s actions.
Ms. Frederiksen remarked, “There is substantial support from the Nordic countries and the EU, so we have our allies and close partners standing with us.”
