U.S. Delegation Set to Visit Greenland Amid Tensions

Copenhagen, March 25, 2024 – A high-profile U.S. delegation is scheduled to visit Greenland this week, prompting strong reactions from Danish officials. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the visit as "unacceptable pressure" on both Greenland and Denmark, emphasizing that it will be met with resistance.

The delegation, which includes U.S. Vice President JD Vance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, aims to visit an American military base in the semi-autonomous Danish territory, sparking controversy among local leaders.

Vice President Vance announced his plans on X (formerly Twitter) stating he would visit Greenland on Friday. Initially, Mrs. Vance planned to attend a dog sled race, but this has been changed to a visit to the Pituffik Space Base, according to the vice president's office.

In recent comments, President Donald Trump reiterated his belief in the importance of Greenland for U.S. national security, reviving his previous suggestion that the U.S. should consider taking control of the island. Frederiksen has been clear in rejecting this idea, asserting that the future of Greenland should be determined by its people.

"This is unacceptable pressure being placed on Greenland and Denmark. We will resist this pressure," Frederiksen told Danish broadcasters DR and TV2. Concerns Over Provocative Timing

Greenland's acting head of government, Mute Egede, labeled the upcoming U.S. visit a "provocation," particularly given its timing alongside critical government coalition talks and municipal elections in Greenland.

"This is a charm offensive without the charm," noted Noa Redington, a political analyst and former adviser to previous Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt. He criticized the U.S. visit as a means of intimidating the Greenlandic populace and provoking Denmark.

In light of recent comments from Donald Trump Jr., who previously visited Greenland, speculation regarding potential U.S. annexation of the territory has intensified. Despite these discussions, public sentiment in Greenland largely opposes U.S. ownership; polls indicate that nearly all Greenlanders wish to maintain their sovereignty.

Recent protests against American influence, some of the largest seen in Groenland, have taken place in the capital Nuuk and other towns, reflecting widespread discontent with the U.S. government’s approach.

Mixed Reactions to the Visit

While many in Greenland view the U.S. delegation's visit with suspicion, there are some voices of support. Kuno Fencker, a member of Greenland's parliament for the nationalist Naleraq party, expressed that the visit is "an honor and a strong signal of respect," welcoming the delegation to Greenland while noting he had not communicated with the U.S. administration about the trip.

Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, indicated the delegation aims to engage with Greenland's culture, history, and people.

Frederiksen emphasized that the visit cannot be viewed independently from the broader context of U.S. interests in the region. She reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to its long-standing relationship with the United States, citing a 1951 bilateral agreement allowing U.S. military operations in Greenland.

"There is no indication in Denmark or Greenland that we do not want cooperation with the Americans," she stated, highlighting the support from Nordic countries and the European Union as critical during this time.

As tensions rise, the visit of the U.S. delegation marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about Greenland’s autonomy and strategic importance on the international stage.

Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen, Louise Breusch Rasmussen, and Kanishka Singh, editing by Terje Solsvik, Philippa Fletcher, Sharon Singleton, and Deepa Babington.