During a visit to an American military base in Greenland, Vance criticized the Danish government for its lack of investment in the territory, which President Trump has long expressed interest in acquiring. “Our message to Denmark is simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Vance remarked. He traveled to Greenland with his wife, Usha Vance, and a delegation of senior Trump officials, including national security adviser Mike Waltz. Initially, Usha Vance planned to visit alone, but her husband joined later. The trip faced significant backlash from Greenlandic and Danish officials, including former Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede, who warned against “American aggression.”
Trump has repeatedly voiced his desire to annex Greenland, emphasizing its strategic value. He has argued that Greenland is essential for U.S. interests, saying, “We need Greenland.” However, Greenland, which is part of Denmark, has autonomy in deciding its future, including whether to remain with Denmark, join the U.S., or become independent. Although Trump first proposed the idea during his first term, it has gained more attention since his return to office.
Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, polls show that most Greenlanders oppose the idea, with 85% against joining the U.S. and nearly half viewing Trump’s interest as a threat. Greenland’s new leadership, under Jens-Frederik Nielsen, advocates for independence and self-determination, rejecting the idea of becoming part of the U.S.
Greenland’s strategic location makes it highly valuable to the U.S. Its vast size, along with key sea routes and proximity to the Arctic, is crucial for military and shipping interests. The U.S. already has a military presence on the island, which could be critical for missile defense and future Arctic shipping routes. Additionally, as the ice melts due to climate change, Greenland’s vast mineral resources are becoming more accessible, making it an attractive target for mining, though Greenland has strict environmental restrictions in place.
For many in Greenland, the prospect of greater mining activity and foreign investment is seen as a potential path to economic growth, but some experts question whether large-scale mining is viable given the island’s harsh conditions.
