Usha Vance, wife of US Vice President JD Vance, will travel to Greenland this week as President Donald Trump continues advocating for the US to take control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Purpose of the Visit
The White House announced that Vance will visit Greenland on Thursday with a US delegation. The trip aims to explore historical sites, understand Greenland’s heritage, and attend the country’s national dogsled race.
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The delegation will return to the US on March 29. Alongside Vance, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright will also travel to Greenland. They are expected to visit a US military base in the region, according to a US official. However, the White House has not yet responded to further inquiries about the visit.
Trump’s Persistent Interest in Greenland
Since returning to office on January 20, Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to bring Greenland under US control. He has asserted that the territory will become part of the US “one way or the other.”
Greenland’s Prime Minister Calls Visit a ‘Provocation’
Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede strongly criticized the visit, especially Waltz’s involvement. Speaking to the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq on Sunday, he said:
“The only purpose is to show a demonstration of power to us, and the signal is not to be misunderstood. He is Trump’s confidential and closest adviser, and his presence in Greenland alone will certainly make the Americans believe in Trump’s mission, and the pressure will increase after the visit.”
Why the US Wants Greenland
Greenland holds strategic importance due to its location and resources. It lies along the shortest route between Europe and North America, making it crucial for the US ballistic missile warning system. Additionally, the territory is rich in valuable minerals that could benefit the US economy.
However, both Greenland’s government and Denmark have firmly opposed any attempts at annexation.
Denmark Stresses Sovereignty in US Relations
Denmark has taken a strong stance against Trump’s ambitions. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded to news of the visit by stating, “this is something we take seriously.”
She emphasized that while Denmark remains open to cooperation with the US, it must be based on “the fundamental rules of sovereignty.” She also assured that discussions concerning Greenland’s future will be conducted in close coordination with both the Danish government and Greenland’s future leadership.
Meanwhile, Greenland is currently in a political transition. A new party, which supports a slow path to independence from Denmark, won the general election on March 11. However, Greenland’s government has yet to issue an official response to the visit.
