Denmark Responds to US Vice President's Criticism Over Greenland

Copenhagen, Denmark – Denmark has openly criticized remarks made by US Vice President JD Vance regarding the country’s commitment to Greenland. Vance's comments, delivered during his visit to the Pituffik space base in Greenland, suggested that Denmark has inadequately supported the territory.

Vance accused the Danish government of underinvesting in Greenland's people and its security. “Our message to Denmark is very simple: you have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Vance stated at a press conference. He highlighted the need for the United States to take an active role in Greenland's security and infrastructure, asserting that “we need Greenland” for international security reasons.

In response to Vance's statements, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed discontent over the tone of the criticism. On social media platform X, Rasmussen remarked, “We are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it’s being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies.” He reaffirmed the strong alliance between Denmark and the United States.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also addressed Vance's remarks, underscoring Denmark's long-standing partnership with the US, which has included military cooperation in conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. Frederiksen emphasized that the vice-president’s reference to Denmark was inaccurate, reinforcing the narrative of mutual support between the nations.

Vance's statements come amid heightened discussions around Greenland's strategic importance, particularly in light of emerging global tensions involving Russia and China. Former President Donald Trump previously voiced interest in acquiring Greenland, claiming its strategic value for US security. In a follow-up statement to NBC News, Vance reiterated, “I don’t take anything off the table,” regarding US interests in Greenland.

The Pituffik space base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, serves as a critical component of the US missile defense infrastructure. Its strategic location in the Arctic allows it to monitor potential threats, making it a pivotal site for US military operations.

Greenland, although a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, has expressed resistance to the idea of being absorbed into the US. Recent polling indicated that a majority of Greenland's population opposes any annexation by the United States. In a show of unity, leaders from Greenland's political parties recently formed a coalition government, with the newly appointed Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stressing the importance of solidarity against external pressures.

Frederiksen has accused the US of exerting “unacceptable pressure” on both Greenland and Denmark concerning territorial matters, stating that such actions will not be tolerated. Danish and Greenlandic officials, supported by the European Union, have firmly stated that Greenland will not be transferred to US control.

As tensions continue to unfold, both the US and Danish governments appear to be recalibrating their approaches to the strategic discussions surrounding Greenland. The situation underscores the complexities of international relations and the delicate balance of interests in the Arctic region.