U.S. administration modifies strategies; Vance to inspect Greenland base

Greenland: VP JD Vance's Arctic Visit Stirs Controversy

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US Vice President JD Vance is jetting off to Greenland's Pituffik Space Base this Friday, stirring up a political storm over Donald Trump's interest in taking over the autonomous Danish territory.

Vance, who's Trump's new foreign policy enforcer, will tag along with his wife Usha. They'll get a security briefing and meet the troops, according to a statement from his office, but Usha's planned dog sled race outing seems to have been axed from the itinerary.

The news broke shortly after Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen voiced concerns about Usha's initial solo trip to Greenland, saying it put "unacceptable pressure" on both the territory and Denmark.

"Usha's having a ball in Greenland Friday, and I ain't gonna let her have all the fun," Vance announced in a video, deciding to join his wife.

Initially, Usha was slated to explore historical sites, learn about Greenlandic heritage, and watch the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland's national dogsled race, with her son and a US delegation. Now, they'll only hit the US base and bypass other parts of the icy land.

Since Trump's return to power in January, he's been adamant about wanting the US to claim Greenland for national security purposes. He's even refused to rule out using force if needed.

"We wanna protect the folks of Greenland," Vance declared in his video. "The US and Denmark have totally ignored Greenland for way too long. We got some new ideas."

Earlier reports hinted that US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright would also pay a visit to Greenland this week.

The earlier announcement of Usha's trip on Monday garnered backlash from Danish and Greenlandic politicians.

"You can't organize a private visit with official representatives of another country," Frederiksen told reporters.

She added that the sudden visit put "unacceptable pressure" on both Greenland and Denmark, and it wasn't a visit that Greenland needed or wanted.

The political landscape in Greenland is shifting right now, with parties negotiating to form a new coalition government post-March 11th election. The likely new prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has criticized Trump's moves on Greenland as disrespectful.

Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenland representative to the Danish parliament, also expressed her disapproval of the US delegation's visit.

"Nobody from Greenland's official system invited these tourists. They're coming with their soft power diplomacy, focusing on security issues, and that's totally unacceptable," Chemnitz told AFP.

Despite the tension, Frederiksen assured that Denmark and Greenland are still open to working with the Americans, citing their long-standing defense agreement dating back to 1951.

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Vice President JD Vance's March 2025 visit to Greenland's Pituffik Space Base underscores the Trump administration's increased focus on strengthening U.S. Arctic partnerships at a time of growing concerns about Russian and Chinese influence. During remarks to troops, Vance was critical of Denmark's stewardship, stating, "You haven't done a good job by the people of Greenland" in protecting the region[2][3][4]. The visit emphasizes Trump's longstanding interest in Greenland, which includes past efforts to purchase the territory, although the administration now frames its approach as increasing security cooperation rather than annexation[1][4].

Public response in Greenland, Denmark, and the United States has been mixed. While no direct statements from Greenlandic or Danish leaders were included in the available reports, a January 2025 Verian opinion poll found 85% of Greenlanders oppose leaving Denmark to join the U.S.[1]. The U.S. military's presence, including the renamed Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), operates under a 1951 defense agreement with Denmark, suggesting continued bilateral cooperation despite the political tensions[1]. A March 2025 Yahoo News poll showed 49% of Americans oppose annexing Greenland, with only 19% in favor[1]. The White House has framed the visit as part of Trump's "enhanced security footprint" strategy, with VP press secretary Taylor Van Kirk emphasizing "strengthening the partnership and cooperation".

Vance's travels take him to Greenland's Pituffik Space Base, sparking debates over Trump's interest in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory.
In a video, Vivek Paul (Vance's nickname) announces his wife Usha will join him in Greenland, after initial concerns regarding solo travel.
News outlets report Usha's initial plans to explore historical sites, learn about Greenlandic heritage, and watch the national dogsled race have been altered due to Vance's presence.
The political climate in Greenland is shifting as parties negotiate a new coalition government post-election, with potential prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen criticizing Trump's actions as disrespectful.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz are also speculated to visit Greenland this week, adding to the region's energy and security discussions.
Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenland representative to the Danish parliament, expresses disapproval of the US delegation's visit, stating it is unacceptable to focus on security issues without the involvement of Greenland's official system.