NUUK, Greenland — During a recent visit to Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark for inadequate investment in the security of Greenland, indicating that the U.S. might take a more active role in the territory under President Donald Trump’s administration. Vance, accompanied by his wife and senior officials, urged Denmark to change its approach, reflecting the broader American interest in the strategic island.
Vance emphasized the necessity for the U.S. to ensure Greenland’s security, suggesting potential benefits for Greenland’s economy if it pursued greater independence from Denmark and aligned more closely with the United States. However, this notion was met with disapproval from Greenlandic and Danish officials, who were reportedly upset by the U.S. administration’s attempts to exert control over the region without prior consultation.
The trip comes at a sensitive time as the U.S. relationship with Denmark, a NATO ally traditionally known for close ties with the U.S., experiences strain over Arctic policies. Trump has previously proposed U.S. control over Greenland, an idea that sparked significant controversy. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called out Vance for his assertions, defending Denmark’s defense efforts in the Arctic and describing the country as a “good and strong ally.”
Amid frigid temperatures, Vance and his delegation, including national security adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, engaged with U.S. military personnel and were briefed on Arctic security matters. Vance humorously remarked on the cold weather, yet maintained a focus on the strategic importance of Greenland.
After the visit, Frederiksen announced Denmark’s plans to enhance Arctic defense capabilities, including new ships and drones, reassuring Greenland’s citizens of Denmark’s commitment to the region. Simultaneously, she recalled Denmark’s military cooperation with the U.S. against terrorism, critiquing Vance’s portrayal of Denmark.
The visit aligned with Greenland’s political developments, as parties in its parliament formed a coalition government in response to the U.S. interest in the territory. Prime Minister-designate Jens-Frederik Nielsen underscored national unity amid external pressures, emphasizing that Greenlanders would decide their own futures.
Locals of Nuuk, a city in Greenland far south of Pituffik, expressed apprehension and frustration over the U.S.’s attempted incursions. Residents like Cora Høy and Inuk Kristensen voiced concerns over the unwanted attention and declared Greenland was not for sale, questioning the manner in which the U.S. was pursuing influence in their homeland.
Greenland’s geostrategic value has not gone unnoticed by global powers like China and Russia, given its location as a passage to the Arctic and North Atlantic. Vance stressed the need for American leadership in these areas to prevent other nations from filling any gaps left by U.S. inaction.
The U.S. move to assert its presence underscores the region’s growing importance and highlights the complex dynamics between Greenland, Denmark, and the U.S., as all parties navigate the contentious issue of sovereignty and security in the Arctic.