Greenland Ignores Unwanted Visit from US Delegation Led by Usha Vance
- U.S. Delegation's Visit to Greenland Draws Criticism from the Country's Prime Minister
Usha Vance, accompanied by a US delegation that includes National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, is expected to roam the shores of Greenland from Thursday to Saturday, but not everyone is welcoming this uninvited visit. Usha Vance's quest to explore the rich history and culture of Greenland, including attending the Avannaata Qimussersua national dog sled race, may be met with resistance.
Prime Minister Kim Kielsen has firmly shut the door on any discussions with Washington until a new Greenlandic government takes shape following March's parliamentary elections. The next likely Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen (whose center-right party stormed the election), had previously branded Trump's ambitious Greenlandic grab as inappropriate.
The US President's son, Donald Trump Jr., previously visited Greenland in the lead-up to his father's inauguration, but he insisted it was just a vacation. Since taking the oval office, Trump has repeatedly expressed his eagerness to snatch the Arctic island. Greenland and Denmark have made it clear that any scheme to take over Greenland is a non-starter.
This contested piece of land, home to just over 57,000 souls, is the world's largest unspoiled island. Its mineral-rich soil is a resource goldmine whose potential remains untapped. Greenland has self-governed many matters since the year '79, however, Denmark, its colonial past, still has final say on foreign and defense matters.
- Greenland
- Politics
- Usha Vance
- US President
- Donald Trump
- National Security
- Mike Waltz
- Sovereignty
- Denmark
Context:
- Usha Vance's visit was mostly criticized as an uninvited and inappropriate intrusion into Greenland's sovereignty[1][2].
- The trip comes amidst heavy-handed American pressure and amidst ongoing national security debates revolving around Greenland's strategic position[2].
- Greenland is fiercely protective of its autonomy in the face of the US's push for influence or acquisition[2].
- The timing of the visit, which coincides with Greenland's efforts to form a new government, is seen as disruptive and inappropriate[2].
- Trump's previous attempts to buy Greenland have been met with staunch opposition[2].
- In January, Greenland is likely to face another diplomatic hurdle as Usha Vance, accompanied by the US delegation including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, is expected to visit Greenland.
- Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the likely next Prime Minister of Greenland, had previously criticized any government interference from the US, particularly Trump's ambitious Greenlandic grab as inappropriate.
- Despite the US President's repeated expressions of eagerness to acquire Greenland, Greenland, along with Denmark, has consistently maintained that any scheme to take over Greenland is a non-starter.
