Danish PM Slams US Pressure Over Greenland Visit, As Vice President Vance Confirms Trip
The Danish Prime Minister has strongly criticised what she termed “unacceptable pressure” from the United States over an unsolicited high-level visit to Greenland, intensifying diplomatic tensions between Copenhagen and Washington. Her comments came just hours before US Vice President JD Vance confirmed he would join the trip to the semi-autonomous Arctic territory.
Vance announced his decision to accompany his wife, who was already scheduled to travel to Greenland, stating that the visit reflects Washington’s commitment to strengthening Arctic security. However, Danish authorities and Greenland’s interim government have voiced deep concerns, viewing the visit as politically provocative and poorly timed, especially as coalition talks continue in the territory following a recent general election.
Greenland’s Leadership Caught in Diplomatic Crossfire
Greenland’s caretaker administration has issued a formal statement clarifying that no official invitation was extended to the US delegation, contradicting claims made by the Trump administration. With no government currently in place, authorities have urged all foreign states to respect the sensitive domestic transition underway.
Copenhagen, which oversees Greenland’s security and foreign affairs, has pushed back against the framing of the visit as a “private” affair, arguing that such visits involving senior American officials carry unavoidable political weight. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has made it clear that the trip is not aligned with the needs or wishes of the Greenlandic population.
Trump Administration’s Strategic Interest Raises Alarm
The Trump administration has long expressed strategic interest in Greenland, citing its geographic significance for national security. Critics view this renewed push as part of broader ambitions to assert American influence in the Arctic. Vice President Vance’s statement, positioning the visit as a defence and security engagement, has only amplified concerns in both Greenland and Denmark.
Tensions were further inflamed by recent remarks from Greenland’s Prime Minister, who accused the US of interference during a politically fragile moment. The controversy has already had political fallout, with Greenland’s pro-independence party Naleraq pulling out of coalition talks. One of its senior figures cited fears among his colleagues that the party was too closely aligned with US interests.
Delegation Plans to Visit Strategic US Installations
The upcoming visit, scheduled from Thursday to Saturday, includes the White House national security adviser and energy secretary, both of whom are expected to tour key US installations, including the space force base at Pituffik. The delegation also plans cultural engagements such as visits to historic sites and a traditional dog sled race.
While the White House maintains that the purpose of the trip is to better understand Greenland’s culture and history, Danish officials remain unconvinced, viewing the visit as another move in a larger geopolitical chessboard where Greenland finds itself caught between competing powers.
As Washington’s Arctic ambitions grow increasingly assertive, the diplomatic fallout from this trip could mark a defining moment in US-Denmark relations — and for Greenland’s own journey toward greater autonomy.
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