Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has accused the United States of applying “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland and Denmark following a planned visit by high-ranking US officials to the Arctic island, despite objections from local leaders. Frederiksen criticized the unsolicited visit during a media interview on Tuesday, emphasizing that Denmark and Greenland will not tolerate such pressure. The controversy centers on the visit’s lack of approval from Greenland’s government and its implications for the region’s sovereignty.
US Delegation to Visit Greenland Without Local Approval
The White House announced plans for a high-profile delegation to visit Greenland from Thursday to Sunday. The group includes Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. This delegation’s journey to Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous territory under Denmark, has sparked backlash from Greenlandic leaders, who are opposed to the visit taking place without their consent.
The planned trip is seen as a diplomatic move to strengthen ties between the US and Greenland, but it has been met with criticism from both the Danish and Greenlandic governments, who view it as an overstep. Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede expressed concerns that the visit was an unwarranted assertion of US power, labeling it “highly aggressive.”
Trump Defends Visit with National Security Concerns
In response to the criticism, US President Donald Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns as the driving force behind his actions. Trump stated on Monday that the visit aimed to promote “friendliness, not provocation,” despite ongoing tensions surrounding the issue of Greenland’s sovereignty.
This statement follows years of interest from the Trump administration in Greenland, particularly after a failed attempt to purchase the island in 2019. The US sees Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic as vital for its military and geopolitical interests, particularly as China and Russia increasingly assert their influence in the region.
Greenland’s Leaders Reject US Visit
Prime Minister Múte Egede of Greenland strongly condemned the visit, expressing his concerns in a Facebook post on Monday. He emphasized that there would be no official meetings with the US delegation during their stay. Greenland recently held elections, and the new government is expected to take office shortly, but Egede will remain in power until then.
Egede described National Security Adviser Waltz’s visit as a show of force, saying that the message was clear: the US seeks to exert its power over the region. This sentiment was echoed by Prime Minister Frederiksen, who supported Greenland’s position. Frederiksen pointed out that when Greenlandic politicians clearly reject such visits, the move cannot be considered respectful. “This visit ignores Greenland’s voice,” she said, adding that it does not align with the needs or wishes of the Greenlandic people.
Denmark Stands Firm on Greenland’s Independence
While Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it governs itself and has the right to pursue independence if it so chooses. Denmark has consistently supported Greenland’s sovereignty and has rejected US overtures to take control of the island. Despite strong US-Danish ties, Denmark remains firm in its position that Greenland’s future should be determined by Greenlandic leaders alone.
The Danish government has emphasized that any actions taken in Greenland should be in line with the will of its people. Frederiksen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to supporting Greenland’s autonomy and right to self-determination, underscoring that external pressure on the territory is unacceptable.
JD Vance Criticizes Denmark’s Arctic Security Stance
The controversy comes amid recent comments by US Vice President JD Vance, who criticized Denmark’s handling of Arctic security. Last month, Vance accused Denmark of failing to adequately address China’s growing presence in Arctic sea lanes, calling the country “not a good ally.” He suggested that if Denmark does not act to secure the region, the US would take a more active role, potentially increasing its territorial interests in Greenland.
“The US must secure its national interests in the Arctic,” Vance stated. “If that means more territorial interest in Greenland, President Trump will act.” These remarks add further tension to the ongoing debate about the region’s future and the role of external powers in its affairs.
Cultural and Military Aspects of the Visit
The US delegation’s visit to Greenland will include both cultural and military elements. Usha Vance and her child are scheduled to explore Greenland’s historic sites and learn about the island’s heritage. The trip will also include a visit to the US Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland, where National Security Adviser Waltz and Energy Secretary Wright will receive briefings from US service members stationed at the base.
A National Security Council spokesperson defended the visit, stating that the trip’s military aspect should not come as a surprise. The spokesperson emphasized that the US has long maintained a strategic interest in Greenland, particularly in terms of its military presence in the Arctic.
The planned visit by US officials to Greenland has sparked a diplomatic dispute between the US, Denmark, and Greenland, highlighting the ongoing tensions over the island’s sovereignty and its strategic importance in global geopolitics. With Greenland’s leaders rejecting the visit and Denmark reaffirming its support for Greenland’s autonomy, the situation remains fluid. The diplomatic fallout from this visit could have significant implications for US-Danish relations and the future of Arctic geopolitics.
