US VP Vance to visit Greenland amid growing anger over Trump takeover bid

Post by: Bandan Preet

Photo: AFP

US Vice President JD Vance is set to visit a US military base in Greenland on Friday. His visit comes at a time when there is rising anger in Denmark and Greenland over former President Donald Trump’s attempts to take control of the Arctic territory.

Trump has claimed that the US needs Greenland for its national and global security. On Wednesday, he even said that he would not rule out using force to get it. “We have to have it,” Trump declared.

However, Danish and Greenlandic leaders, backed by the European Union, have firmly rejected Trump’s takeover plans. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the visit by the US delegation “unacceptable pressure” on both Greenland and Denmark. Initially, the US had planned a larger visit, but it was later reduced to just Vice President Vance and his wife, Usha.

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Visit to US Military Base

During his visit, Vance will tour the US-run Pituffik Space Base, located in northwest Greenland. The base plays a key role in the US missile defense system, as it is on the fastest route for Russian missiles heading toward the US. During the Cold War, it was used to detect potential Soviet attacks. Until 2023, it was known as Thule Air Base.

While at the base, Vance will meet with US Space Force members and “check out what’s going on with the security” of Greenland, as he mentioned in a video message.

Growing Tensions With Denmark

Vance has previously upset Denmark. In February, he said that the country was “not doing its job” in protecting Greenland and was “not being a good ally.” His comments angered Danish leaders. Prime Minister Frederiksen quickly fired back, reminding Vance that Denmark had been a loyal US ally for decades, including fighting alongside American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Denmark Increases Arctic Presence

Denmark has been making efforts to strengthen its presence in the Arctic. In January, Copenhagen announced it would spend nearly $2 billion to boost its security in the region. This includes adding three new polar vessels, two long-range surveillance drones, and increasing its satellite capacity.

However, Washington claims that Denmark still isn’t doing enough. According to Marc Jacobsen, a senior lecturer at the Royal Danish Defence College, the US wants a stronger presence in Greenland. Jacobsen believes that the US needs to clearly state its expectations if it wants Denmark to respond properly.

Greenland Is Not for Sale

Greenland, which is home to about 57,000 people, is rich in untapped minerals and oil. However, oil and uranium mining is currently banned. The island, which is seeking independence from Denmark, has made it clear that it is not for sale.

On Wednesday, Frederiksen repeated this message, saying the US “knows that Greenland is not for sale.” Even though all of Greenland’s political parties support independence, none of them are interested in becoming part of the US.

A recent poll in January showed that most Greenlanders also reject the idea of joining the US.

Political Uncertainty in Greenland

Vance’s visit comes at a politically sensitive time. Greenland is currently under a temporary government following its March elections. The political parties are still negotiating to form a new coalition government.

Before the visit was scaled down, Vance’s wife, Usha, was supposed to attend a dogsled race in Sisimiut. There were also reports that US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright would join the trip.

Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister, Mute Egede, expressed frustration over the uninvited visit. On Monday, he wrote on Facebook, “Our integrity and democracy must be respected without foreign interference.” He also pointed out that Greenland’s government did not invite any US officials for this visit.

Earlier this year, on January 7, a visit by Trump’s son, Donald Jr., also caused outrage in Greenland, as it was seen as another provocation.

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