- Top U.S. officials embark on a contentious visit to Greenland, fueling concerns over U.S. intentions. The trip includes cultural events and military site visits.
- Greenlandic leaders criticized the timing, citing a caretaker period after recent elections and U.S. disregard for sovereignty.
- The visit reignites debate over U.S.-Greenland relations, with President Donald Trump’s acquisition ambitions and resource interests straining ties.
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Vice President JD Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz plan to visit Greenland this week as part of a broader U.S. effort to strengthen its presence in the Arctic. The visit, scheduled for March 27 through March 29, includes cultural stops and military site visits.
The planned trip has sparked backlash from Greenland and Denmark.
Usha Vance will attend historical and cultural events, including Greenland’s national sled dog race. Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright will tour a U.S. missile defense base in the northern part of the island.
The administration framed the trip as an opportunity to build partnerships and learn about Greenland’s people and history.
How have Greenland and Denmark responded?
Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B. Egede condemned the visit, calling it “highly aggressive” and accusing the U.S. of interfering with local politics.
Egede said Waltz’s presence signals “a demonstration of power” and could intensify Washington’s pressure to assert control over the island.
Other Greenlandic leaders also criticized the timing, noting the territory is in a caretaker period after its March 11 election.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the island’s most popular party, called the visit disrespectful.
What is the broader context of the US-Greenland relationship?
President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of acquiring Greenland, calling it a strategic asset and saying it should become part of the United States “one way or the other.”
The island sits along vital Arctic routes and holds rare earth minerals and other resources. U.S. forces have operated a military base there since World War II.
Greenland remains a semiautonomous territory of Denmark. Both governments have firmly opposed U.S. acquisition efforts.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said neither Denmark nor Greenland invited the U.S. delegation and made clear the visit should be viewed in light of recent public comments from American officials. She said Denmark takes the matter seriously.
Why is the visit controversial now?
The trip comes as tensions rise over Trump’s expansionist rhetoric and as his administration pushes for greater access to Greenland’s resources.
Greenlandic public opinion remains strongly against U.S. annexation, though some officials have expressed interest in deeper U.S. ties under conditions that preserve sovereignty.
Critics argued that sending top security officials during a transitional period in Greenland’s government undermines diplomatic norms.
Egede warns the international community to take the visit seriously, emphasizing that it is more than a harmless diplomatic trip.
