Trump pushes US claims to Greenland as territory's leaders lambast US delegation trip

President Donald Trump doubled down on his push for U.S. control over Greenland, stating on Monday that the territory could become a significant part of America's future.

His comments came ahead of a planned visit by a high-profile U.S. delegation to Greenland, which has been met with strong criticism from local leaders in the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

“I think Greenland is going to be something that maybe is in our future,” Trump said, emphasizing the importance of Greenland for U.S. national security. However, his remarks have sparked backlash from Greenland's outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede, who called the delegation’s visit—a trip that includes a visit to a U.S. military base and attendance at a dog sled race—a “provocation.” Egede added that his caretaker government would not meet with the U.S. group.

The U.S. visit, led by Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, is set to take place from Thursday to Saturday and includes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. While Trump has been vocal about his desire for U.S. annexation of Greenland, particularly since his son Donald Trump Jr. visited the island in January, the move has caused significant friction with Greenlandic and Danish leaders.

Egede criticized the U.S. stance, calling the interference a breach of democratic principles and urging Greenland's allies to take a firmer stance against the potential U.S. takeover. “We have not yet seen any of our allies make a clear statement. And we need our friends among nations,” Egede said, urging stronger opposition.

Meanwhile, Greenland's new government, led by the pro-business Democrats, is in a caretaker phase following a recent parliamentary election. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the Democrats, also voiced concerns about the timing of the U.S. visit amid ongoing coalition talks. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called the visit “problematic” and said it signaled an attempt to draw Greenland closer to the U.S., undermining its sovereignty.

In response to the criticism, Brian Hughes, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, emphasized that the visit aimed to "build on partnerships that respect Greenland's self-determination." He explained that the delegation's focus was on learning about Greenland's culture and history, and attending the U.S.-sponsored dog sled race.

Security around the visit has been heavy, with U.S. Hercules military transport planes arriving in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, carrying security personnel and equipment. Danish police have also been deployed to assist in the security preparations. The delegation will visit the Pituffik space base, a crucial U.S. military installation for missile defense, before attending the national dog sled race.

Despite Greenland’s and Denmark’s clear opposition, Trump has consistently renewed his calls for the U.S. to take control of the island, citing its rich natural resources, including minerals vital for new technologies. Denmark and Greenland have both firmly rejected such proposals, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stressing that any discussions on Greenland's future would involve both Copenhagen and Greenland's government.

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