US Vice-President JD Vance Reaffirms Interest In Greenland During Brief Visit.
US Vice-President JD Vance made a brief yet controversial visit to Greenland today, accompanied by his wife, Usha, and President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz. The trip, which lasted only a few hours, focused on security concerns in the Arctic region and reignited discussions about the US’s interest in Greenland.
Military Visit and Security Concerns
During the visit, Vance toured the US Pituffik Space Base, located in the remote northern part of Greenland. He engaged with American troops stationed there and emphasised the growing strategic importance of the Arctic amid increasing activity from Russia and China.
“The world cannot bury our heads in the sand—or in this case, in the snow,” Vance warned, citing the need for a stronger presence in the region.
Criticism of Denmark
Vance criticised Denmark’s approach to Arctic security, stating that the Danish government had “not done a good job” in protecting Greenland’s interests. His remarks were met with a firm response from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who rejected the claims.
“For many years, we have stood side-by-side with the Americans in very difficult situations,” Frederiksen told the BBC, defending Denmark’s contributions to regional security.
Trump’s Continued Interest in Greenland
The visit also reignited speculation about US ambitions in Greenland, with Vance reaffirming President Trump’s intention to bring the island under American influence. He clarified that this would be achieved through diplomatic engagement with Greenlanders rather than military intervention.
Trump later reinforced this stance in a statement at the White House, declaring, “We have to have Greenland.”
Local Concerns
Vance’s visit sparked unease among Greenland’s residents, with several locals expressing concerns about the implications of increased US interest in their territory. Some feared that the visit signalled potential political and economic interference in the island’s affairs.
As tensions continue to rise over Arctic geopolitics, Vance’s remarks have further complicated relations between the US, Denmark, and Greenland, ensuring that the island remains a key point of international debate.
