Denmark voices concern over Vance's rhetoric regarding Greenland
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Denmark took umbrage at the "tone" of US Vice President JD Vance's comments that Copenhagen hasn't done enough for Greenland during his recent visit to the strategically placed, resource-rich Danish territory, which has been the subject of interest by US President Donald Trump.
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"We can take criticism, but we're not fond of the snarky tone it's being dished out in," Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated on social media.
"This ain't how friends chat, and I still consider Denmark and the United States as close partners," he added.
Vance made his remarks during his tour of the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, which both Copenhagen and Nuuk view as a provocation.
READ MORE: US vice president accuses Denmark of 'stingy' investment in Greenland
"Our message to Denmark is simple and straightforward: You haven't been pulling your weight for the people of Greenland," Vance tells the press.
"You've been skimping on investments for the people of Greenland and the security infrastructure of this magnificent, untouched land," he continued.
Trump maintains that the United States needs the vast Arctic island for national and international security, and has refused to rule out the use of force to secure it.
When asked about the possibility of force, Vance highlighted that the US administration doesn't think such action is necessary.
"We believe we'll be able to work out a sweetheart deal, Donald Trump-style, to ensure Greenland's security and America's as well," Vance stated.
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also fired back at Vance with a statement, saying his remarks about Denmark were not accurate. She also announced that she will be visiting the island next week.
Vance was accompanied on his trip by his wife, Usha, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and former Homeland Security Advisor Julia Nesheiwat, who is Waltz's wife.
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'Unfair pressure'
Danish and Greenlandic officials, backed by the European Union, have been adamant that the United States will not gain control over Greenland.
Frederiksen has denounced the U.S. visit as "unfair pressure" on Greenland and Denmark.
Rasmussen confirmed that Denmark has increased its investment in Arctic security, with Copenhagen announcing in January a $2 billion plan aimed at boosting its military presence in the region.
A majority of Greenlanders oppose US annexation, according to a recent poll.
Saturday saw demonstrators rally outside the US embassy in Copenhagen, waving banners with slogans like "Trump and Putin: Stop Snatching Countries" and "Yanks, Go Home," or "Make Peace, Not War."
"It's crucial we show up en masse today," said one demonstrator, Kista Lynge Hoegh, a Greenland native.
"We are worried for our families living in Greenland and are concerned about what could happen if annexation occurs, as Trump has threatened," she added.
"We've come together to voice our disapproval of the threatening rhetoric from the US regarding Greenland and Denmark," said another Greenlander, Mimik Rosing.
Pituffik Base
The Pituffik base plays a critical role in Washington's missile defense infrastructure, located in the Arctic on the quickest route for missiles fired from Russia. It served as a warning post for potential attacks from the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
It is also a strategic hub for air and submarine surveillance.
Greenland is home to 57,000 inhabitants, most of them Inuit. The territory is thought to hold massive untapped mineral and oil reserves, although oil and uranium exploration are prohibited.
Unity Call
Although all of Greenland's political parties back independence, none endorse inclusion in the United States. A new broad four-party coalition government was recently established in Greenland just before the US delegation's arrival, following this month's elections.
"It's crucial that we put our differences aside, because only by doing so can we endure the heavy pressure we're facing from outside," said incoming prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
A statement from Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen's office said that during her April 2 to 4 visit, she will greet the new government and promise to pursue close and trustworthy cooperation.
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Politics #Greenland #Denmark & the US
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- The US Vice President JD Vance's comments about Denmark's alleged lack of investment in Greenland have been criticized for their tone, as they were perceived as snarky and unfavorable.
- In response, Denmark's Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, stated on social media that while they can handle criticism, they are not fond of the tone in which it is being delivered.
- During his tour of the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, Vance accused Denmark of not pulling its weight for the people of Greenland, particularly in terms of investments and security infrastructure.
- Despite Trump's refusal to rule out the use of force to secure Greenland, Vance claimed that the US administration believes they will be able to work out a deal to ensure Greenland's security, using a Trump-style approach.
- The tensions between the US and Denmark continue even in the realm of politics, with Danish and Greenlandic officials adamant that the US will not gain control over Greenland. The European Union has backed this stance.
- The strategic hub of Pituffik Base in Greenland, with its critical role in Washington's missile defense infrastructure, has become another point of contention in the ongoing political discussions between Denmark, the US, and Greenland.
