Greenlandic leaders have sharply criticized an upcoming visit by a high-profile American delegation to the semi-autonomous Danish territory, which President Donald Trump has suggested the U.S. should annex.
The trip, led by Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, and including White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, is set to include visits to a U.S. military base and a national dogsled race.
Greenland's outgoing prime minister, Mute Egede, called the visit a "provocation" and stated that his caretaker government would not meet with the delegation. "Until recently, we could trust the Americans, who were our allies and friends, and with whom we enjoyed working closely. But that time is over," Egede said in an interview with the local newspaper Sermitsiaq.
The Greenlandic government, known as Naalakkersuisut, is currently in a caretaker period following a March 11 general election, where the pro-business Democrats won. The party advocates for a gradual approach to independence from Denmark. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the Democrats, expressed disappointment over the timing of the visit, which coincides with coalition talks and upcoming municipal elections. He said the visit shows "a lack of respect for the Greenlandic people."
The delegation’s itinerary includes visits to the Pituffik space base, a U.S. military installation in Greenland, where Waltz and Wright are expected to receive briefings from U.S. service members. The group will also attend a national dogsled race, which the White House stated the U.S. is proud to sponsor, and visit historical sites.
Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, defended the trip, emphasizing that the U.S. delegation aims to build on partnerships that respect Greenland’s self-determination and foster economic cooperation. "This is a visit to learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people, and to attend a dogsled race, plain and simple," Hughes stated.
Trump’s suggestion of annexing Greenland has been a recurring theme since he returned to office in January. The island’s strategic location and rich mineral resources, including its proximity to the U.S. ballistic missile warning system, have made it a point of interest. However, both Greenland and Denmark have strongly opposed the idea.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded to the visit, expressing serious concerns. She affirmed that Denmark wants to cooperate with the U.S. but stressed that such cooperation must respect Greenland's sovereignty. "Dialogue with the U.S. regarding Greenland will take place in close coordination with the Danish government and the future Greenlandic government," Frederiksen said.
As tensions simmer over the future of Greenland’s political status, the U.S. visit has drawn attention to the complexities of international relations in the region.
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