Vice President J.D. Vance delivered sharp and direct criticism of Denmark during a high-profile visit to Greenland, accusing the Danish government of neglecting the island’s people and failing to invest in its security. His remarks were made at Pituffik Space Base, a U.S. military outpost in northwestern Greenland, during a one-day visit that has reignited controversy over America’s interest in the strategic Arctic territory.
“Our message to Denmark is very simple,” Vance said. “You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland. You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change.”
The visit was originally planned as a larger diplomatic event, including a solo trip by Second Lady Usha Vance. But following public protests in both Greenland and Denmark, the trip was scaled back to a brief visit focused on U.S. military presence. Despite the shorter stay, Vance’s message was bold and clear: Denmark’s current approach to Greenland is not enough, and the United States is prepared to take on a larger role if necessary.
A Strategic Territory at the Center of Global Competition
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, located between North America and Europe. It is rich in natural resources and holds a key strategic position in the Arctic, especially as melting ice opens new sea routes and global powers like Russia and China increase their interest in the region.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is vital to American national security. Speaking from the White House, Trump said, “We need Greenland, very importantly, for international security. We have to have Greenland. It’s not a question of do you think we can do without it. We can’t.”
He continued, “Greenland is very important for the peace of the world, not us, the peace of the entire world, and I think Denmark understands it. I think the European Union understands it. And if they don’t, we’re going to have to explain it to them.”
Vice President Vance echoed those views, pointing to the growing influence of China and Russia in the Arctic. “There has been an expansion of the security footprint and the security interests of Russia and China,” Vance said. “They are doing what they believe is in their interest. The United States must do what I know is in our interest, which is to make sure that Greenland is safe.”
Denmark Pushes Back, But Acknowledges More Must Be Done
Denmark’s leadership did not take the criticism lightly. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said he “takes the criticism seriously,” but added in comments to Danish media, “I also think it’s a bit inappropriate, and maybe you should look at yourself in the mirror too.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen defended her country’s record, saying that Denmark has increased its defense capabilities in the region. She pointed to new Arctic patrol ships and long-range drones as examples of growing investment. She also reminded reporters that Denmark is a long-standing U.S. ally and a member of NATO.
“Denmark stood side by side with Americans in the war against terror,” Frederiksen said. “So it is not a fair way for Vance to speak about Denmark.” She also emphasized that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders,” a direct response to growing concerns that the U.S. wants to control or acquire the territory.
Denmark’s ambassador to the U.S., Jesper Møller Sørensen, took a more diplomatic tone. In a message shared on social media, he said, “Greenland and Denmark share a desire to strengthen our already incredibly close ties with our friend and ally,” referring to the United States.
What the U.S. Wants to See in Greenland
Vance made it clear that the Trump administration is not interested in military conquest but believes in partnership. “We believe in the self-determination of the population of the people of Greenland,” he said. “Our argument is very simple. It is not with the people of Greenland who I think are incredible and have an incredible opportunity here. Our argument really is with the leadership of Denmark.”
While the U.S. does not currently plan to build new military bases, Vance emphasized that America needs to strengthen its presence in other ways. “There are general objectives that we want to accomplish that will certainly require us investing more resources, investing in additional military icebreakers, investing in additional naval ships that will have a greater presence in Greenland,” he said.
He added, “We could make them much more secure. We could do a lot more protection. And I think they’d fare a lot better economically as well.”
Vance also suggested that the United States would prefer to work directly with Greenland if it seeks greater independence. “Yes, the people of Greenland are going to have self-determination,” he said. “We hope that they choose to partner with the United States because we’re the only nation on Earth that will respect their sovereignty and respect their security — because their security is very much our security, as these brave Americans show.”
Political Tensions and a Changing Government
The vice president’s visit came at a sensitive time in Greenland’s political life. Just days before his arrival, four of the five major parties in Greenland’s parliament signed an agreement to form a new coalition government. The move was seen as a direct response to Trump’s interest in acquiring the territory.
“It is a time when we as a population are under pressure,” said the new prime minister-designate, Jens-Frederik Nielsen. “We must stick together. Together we are strongest.”
Frederiksen congratulated Nielsen and called for “close cooperation in an unnecessarily conflict-filled time.”
The original itinerary for the Vance visit included public events and cultural stops, such as Usha Vance attending a dogsled race. But Greenlandic and Danish officials pushed back hard, saying the trip appeared to be more about putting pressure on the island than strengthening ties.
Frederiksen later called the visit “unacceptable pressure” and repeated that Greenland’s future would be decided by its people.
A Population on Edge
The political maneuvering has not gone unnoticed by Greenland’s residents. In the capital city of Nuuk, more than 900 miles south of Pituffik, some expressed concern and frustration.
“It’s all a bit crazy. Of course the population here is a bit shook up,” said Inuk Kristensen, a 30-year-old resident. “My opinion is the same as everyone’s: of course you don’t do things this way. You don’t just come here and say that you want to buy the place.”
Cora Høy, a 22-year-old Greenlander, added, “Vance is welcome if he wants to see it, but of course Greenland is not for sale. I feel now every day is about Trump, and I just want to get away from it.”
As the Arctic becomes a new front in global competition, the Trump administration believes the U.S. must act quickly. Vance summed it up simply: “We need to ensure that America is leading in the Arctic, because we know that if America doesn’t, other nations will fill the gap where we fall behind.”
FAM Editor: Greenland would benefit massively from association with the U.S. We believe this will happen, and we believe that most of the decision has already been made – current actions are just flash
