Sermitsiaq Mountain looms behind a row of houses in Nuuk, Greenland, on March 4, 2025. US President Donald Trump has strained relations with Denmark by repeatedly signalling that he wants control over Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory which will hold legislative elections on March 11.
Greenland Leaders Criticize U.S. Visit as ‘Highly Aggressive’ Amid Sovereignty Concerns
Greenland leaders strongly criticized the upcoming U.S. delegation visit, led by Usha Vance—wife of Vice President JD Vance—labeling it “highly aggressive” and a “provocation.” The visit has sparked political tensions as Greenland leaders criticize the U.S. visit for undermining their sovereignty and fueling speculation about American intentions toward the Arctic territory.
Usha Vance, along with Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, is scheduled to visit Greenland this week. The official agenda includes attending the island’s national dogsled race and promoting cultural ties. However, the delegation also plans a stop at the Pituffik Space Base, a critical U.S. military installation in northern Greenland.
Greenland Government Rejects U.S. Delegation, Citing Aggressive Power Display
Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede, in a strong statement, announced that his caretaker government would not meet with the U.S. officials. Greenland leaders criticize the U.S. visit mainly due to the presence of National Security Adviser Waltz, perceiving it as an aggressive show of power.
“What is the national security adviser doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us,” Egede said in an interview with Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq. He added, “His mere presence will fuel American belief in Trump’s mission and increase the pressure on Greenland.”
Egede further expressed his disillusionment, stating, “Until recently, we could trust the Americans as friends and allies, but that time is over.”
Denmark and Greenland United in Rejecting U.S. Move Amid Annexation Fears
The visit comes at a sensitive time as Greenland’s newly elected government, led by the Democrats party, enters coalition talks. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the Democratic leader, criticized the timing, saying, “It once again shows a lack of respect for the Greenlandic people.”
Meanwhile, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized Denmark’s stance: “We take this seriously. We wish to work with the U.S. based on fundamental rules of sovereignty.”
The visit has reignited fears over Trump’s long-standing interest in annexing Greenland due to its strategic location and mineral wealth. Trump has repeatedly floated the idea since his second term began, eyeing Greenland’s importance for missile defense and Arctic dominance.
White House Defends U.S. Delegation, Greenland Maintains Opposition
White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes responded, claiming the visit aims to “build partnerships that respect Greenland’s self-determination and advance economic cooperation.”
However, Greenland leaders criticize the U.S. visit for what they see as veiled attempts to assert control. The local government and Denmark have consistently rejected Trump’s annexation ambitions, stressing that Greenland’s future lies in the hands of its people.
Adding to the tensions, Donald Trump Jr. recently visited Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, distributing MAGA hats and engaging in a documentary project—another move viewed with skepticism by local leaders.
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