U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Friday accused Denmark of failing to adequately protect Greenland and suggested the U.S. would be better suited to secure the semi-autonomous Danish territory. His remarks come as President Donald Trump continues to advocate for a U.S. takeover of Greenland.
During a visit to the U.S. military base at Pituffik in northern Greenland, Vance claimed Denmark had not devoted sufficient resources to protect the island from "aggressive incursions" by Russia, China, and other nations. Though he provided no details, Vance asserted that the U.S. would increase its investment in the region, including deploying additional naval ships.
While Vance pledged to respect Greenland’s sovereignty, he also suggested the territory would eventually recognize the benefits of partnering more closely with the U.S.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized Vance’s remarks, calling them "unfair" and highlighting Denmark’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. under challenging circumstances. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen acknowledged some shortcomings but argued that the U.S. had also reduced its military presence since the Cold War.
Greenland’s new Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, expressed concern over Vance’s visit, describing it as disrespectful and asserting Greenland’s right to self-determination.
The U.S. maintains a military base at Pituffik under a 1951 agreement, which allows visits with prior notification to Greenland and Copenhagen. Pituffik is considered essential for U.S. ballistic missile warning systems and sits along a critical route between Europe and North America.
President Trump reiterated the importance of Greenland for U.S. and global security, stating that the island is vital for "peace of the entire world." He suggested the U.S. would not rely on Denmark or any other nation to secure the area.
Despite U.S. assurances of respecting Greenland's sovereignty, anti-American protests have erupted across the island, with demonstrators wearing "Make America Go Away" caps and displaying "Yankees Go Home" banners. Local sentiments remain overwhelmingly opposed to U.S. control.
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