Denmark has expressed dissatisfaction with the “tone” of comments made by US Vice President JD Vance, who remarked that Copenhagen had not done enough for Greenland during a visit to the strategically located, resource-abundant Danish territory that US President Donald Trump has shown interest in.
“We are receptive to critiques, but to be completely candid, we do not appreciate the manner in which it has been conveyed,” stated Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“This is not how one addresses close allies, and I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies,” he added.
Mr. Vance made his statements while visiting the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, an action viewed as a provocation by both Denmark and Greenland.
Dear American friends.
We agree that maintaining the status quo in the Arctic is not feasible.
So let’s discuss how we can resolve this issue – together.
Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Danish Foreign Minister pic.twitter.com/vQrcUP7cwi
— Lars Løkke Rasmussen (@larsloekke) March 28, 2025
“You have under-invested in the people of Greenland and in the security framework of this magnificent, beautiful land,” he continued.
Mr. Trump has claimed that the US requires the expansive Arctic island for national and international security and has not dismissed the possibility of using force to acquire it.
“We are not merely discussing peace for the United States. We are addressing world peace and international security,” Mr. Trump asserted to reporters at the White House on Friday.
When questioned about the potential for using force, Mr. Vance emphasized that the US administration believed that “it is never going to be necessary”.
“We believe this makes sense and because we think the people of Greenland are rational and good, we anticipate we will be able to strike a deal, Donald Trump-style, to ensure the security of this territory and of the United States,” Mr. Vance explained.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen condemned the US decision to visit Greenland
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced her visit to Greenland from April 2 – 4 for discussions with the territory’s new government.
“I look forward to continuing the close and trusting collaboration between Greenland and Denmark,” Ms. Frederiksen said in a statement.
Prior to her Greenland visit announcement, Ms. Frederiksen responded to Mr. Vance’s remarks.
“For many years, we have supported the Americans in very challenging situations,” she noted, referencing Danish military deployments alongside American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The Vice President’s comments about Denmark are not accurate,” she stated.
Mr. Vance was accompanied by his wife Usha, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and former Homeland Security Advisor Julia Nesheiwat, who is Mr. Waltz’s spouse.
Danish and Greenlandic officials, with backing from the European Union, have insisted that the US will not gain control over Greenland.
Ms. Frederiksen also condemned the US decision to visit the Arctic island uninvited, calling it “unacceptable pressure” on both Greenland and Denmark.
A majority of Greenlanders oppose US annexation, according to a January poll.
The Pituffik base is a crucial component of US missile defense infrastructure, with its Arctic location providing the shortest route for missiles launched from Russia aimed at the United States.
Previously known as Thule Air Base until 2023, it served as a warning site for potential Soviet Union attacks during the Cold War.
It also serves as a strategic point for air and submarine surveillance.
In January, Denmark announced it would allocate nearly €2 billion to enhance its presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, procuring specialized vessels and surveillance technologies.
Incoming Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Greenland needed unity at this time
Greenland is home to 57,000 residents, primarily Inuit.
It is believed to possess significant untapped mineral and oil reserves; however, exploration for oil and uranium is prohibited.
Mr. Trump’s ambition to acquire the territory has been firmly rejected by Greenlanders, their officials, and Danish representatives.
While all political parties in Greenland advocate for independence, none support the idea of joining the United States.
A new broad four-party coalition government was formed in Greenland just hours before the US delegation’s arrival, following elections earlier this month.
Incoming Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen remarked that the territory needed to demonstrate unity at this moment.
“It is crucial for us to set aside our disagreements and differences… because only through this can we manage the significant external pressures we face,” he stated.
