Denmark reprimands the rhetoric used by Vance in his Greenland remarks

Rewritten Article:

Title: Danish Foreign Minister Blasts US Vice President's Tone Over Greenland Comments

Denmark took a stern stance against US Vice President JD Vance, expressing displeasure with his critical comments towards Copenhagen regarding Greenland's alleged lack of effort. Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the Danish Foreign Minister, voiced his concern on social media platforms, stating, "We can accept criticism, but we don't appreciate the attitude in which it's delivered." Rasmussen emphasized that despite the tension, Denmark and the US remain close allies.

Vance's comments were made during his visit to the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, a visit viewed as provoking by both Copenhagen and Nuuk. Vance accused Denmark of underinvesting in the people of Greenland and criticized their efforts in securing the strategically-important landmass.

Trump has expressed his interest in Greenland, arguing that the US needs the Arctic island for national and international security. However, he has refused to rule out the use of force to secure it, a stance Vance seemingly dismissed during his press conference, asserting, "We think we're going to be able to cut a deal, Donald Trump-style, to ensure the security of this territory."

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also responded to Vance's remarks, stating they were not accurate. She plans to visit the island next week. The US delegation, which included Vance's wife Usha, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and former Homeland Security Advisor Julia Nesheiwat, sparked protests outside the US embassy in Copenhagen.

Danish and Greenlandic officials, backed by the European Union, have reiterated that the US will not obtain Greenland. Frederiksen has condemned the US visit as "unacceptable pressure" on Greenland and Denmark.

Despite the tension, Denmark has increased investment in Arctic security. In January, Copenhagen announced a $2 billion plan to boost its military presence in the region.

A majority of Greenlanders oppose US annexation, according to a January poll. During a recent rally, demonstrators called for unity, expressing concerns about potential annexation and its impact on their families in Greenland.

Additional Insights:

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen recently condemned U.S. comments as disrespectful, asserting that Greenland “will never, ever be a piece of property that can be bought.” This stance follows persistent U.S. interest, including Vice President Vance’s March 2025 visit to the Pituffik space base, where he emphasized Greenland’s security importance and Denmark’s alleged defense inadequacies[5].
While the U.S. frames Greenland as critical for NATO security, Denmark and Greenland are strengthening ties to counterbalance both American and Chinese influence[4][5].
The U.S. strategy appears aimed at supporting Greenland’s eventual independence to secure long-term military and economic partnerships, leveraging NATO’s limited Arctic engagement[5]. However, Greenland prioritizes gradual independence through cooperation with Denmark, wary of becoming a pawn in great-power competition[4][5].

The Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, criticized the tone used by US Vice President JD Vance in his comments about Greenland's alleged lack of effort in a post on social media platforms.
The comments came during Vance's visit to the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, which was seen as provocative by both Copenhagen and Nuuk.
Vance accused Denmark of underinvesting in the people of Greenland and criticized their efforts in securing the strategically important landmass, which has sparked criticism and protests.
In response to these remarks, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated they were not accurate, while the US delegation, including Vance's wife Usha, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and former Homeland Security Advisor Julia Nesheiwat, faced protests outside the US embassy in Copenhagen.
Despite tensions over the issue, Denmark has increased investments in Arctic security, with a $2 billion plan announced in January to boost its military presence in the region.
The Greenland Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has stated that Greenland will never be a piece of property that can be bought, expressing concerns about potential annexation's impact on Greenlandic families and its potential role in great-power competition.