A planned visit by senior U.S. officials to Greenland this week has drawn criticism from both Danish and Greenlandic leaders, who say the trip was arranged without consultation and comes at a politically sensitive time for the Arctic territory.
The delegation—set to include Second Lady Usha Vance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright—is scheduled to arrive on Thursday and stay through the weekend. Vice President JD Vance is expected to visit the Pituffik Space Base on Friday.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed concern on Tuesday, calling the visit an example of undue pressure. “You cannot call this a private visit when it involves senior government officials,” she told local media. “It is pressure that we will resist.”
Greenland’s acting Prime Minister Múte Egede took a stronger stance, describing the trip as “provocative” and “highly aggressive.” He noted that Greenland is currently in a transitional period following elections and that government coalition talks are still ongoing. “We have asked all countries to respect this process,” the government said in an official statement, emphasizing that no invitation had been extended.
The White House described the visit as an effort to explore cultural connections and strengthen relationships in the region. A spokesperson for the National Security Council said the group aims to learn about Greenland’s heritage and visit U.S. personnel stationed at the Pituffik base.
President Donald Trump, however, has continued to speak openly about acquiring Greenland. He cited national security and geographic advantages as reasons for the United States to increase its interest in the island. “One way or the other, we’re going to get it,” Trump said earlier this month. Vice President Vance also recently criticized Denmark for not doing enough to manage foreign activity in Arctic waters, stating that stronger U.S. involvement may be necessary.
While some political figures in Greenland welcomed the attention—such as Kuno Fencker of the pro-independence Naleraq party—many others viewed the timing of the trip as disruptive. Recent protests in Greenland’s capital and other towns reflected public unease about foreign influence, particularly during a change in government.
Frederiksen reiterated that Denmark remains open to cooperation with the United States, referring to the 1951 bilateral agreement that outlines defense arrangements on the island. However, she stressed that diplomacy should be grounded in mutual respect and proper coordination. “We are allies,” she said, “but this approach does not reflect how allies typically engage.”
No official meetings between the U.S. delegation and Greenlandic leaders are currently scheduled. The visit is expected to continue as planned, though it has already created friction and stirred debate over sovereignty, protocol, and the balance of international engagement in the Arctic.
USA = Green
Greenland = Light Green
Latvia = Green
Estonia = Brown
Finland = Light Yellow
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