Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede has publicly condemned the visit of Usha Vance, wife of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to the semi-autonomous Danish territory, calling the move a "demonstration of power" and an affront to local democracy.
The American delegation, which includes Energy Secretary Chris Wright, is expected to tour historical sites and attend a national dog sled race. Waltz and Wright will also visit the U.S. military base at Pituffik. According to the White House, the visit is intended to strengthen partnerships and support Greenland’s self-determination. But Egede disagrees.
"This is not a private visit. It is political," Egede told the Greenlandic press, as reported by Digi24. "Their presence will reinforce belief in Trump’s mission to annex Greenland."
Strategic Stakes and Political Timing
The visit comes as President Donald Trump reiterates his long-standing desire to incorporate Greenland into the United States, a goal he now openly champions during his second term. The timing is especially sensitive, as Greenland is currently in a transitional political period following general elections on March 11.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded cautiously, stating that any dialogue with the U.S. must occur in "close coordination" with both Danish and future Greenlandic governments. "We want cooperation, but based on rules of sovereignty," she said.
Geopolitical Tensions and Local Backlash
Greenland holds immense strategic value due to its location along the shortest air and missile routes between North America and Europe, and is rich in critical mineral resources. The U.S. already operates a military base on the island, but Trump's renewed interest in outright annexation has alarmed both Nuuk and Copenhagen.
Egede warned that the visit from Waltz, Trump’s closest national security aide, may embolden annexation efforts: “It’s clearly a signal. Our democracy and autonomy must be respected without external interference.”
With no official meetings scheduled between the delegation and Greenlandic authorities, the visit may do more to strain U.S.-Greenland relations than to strengthen them.
