U.S. Vice President JD Vance made headlines Friday with an assertive visit to Greenland, where he reignited the Trump administration’s campaign to bring the Danish territory under American control.
In a series of pointed remarks from the U.S. Space Force base at Pituffik, Vance criticized Denmark’s alleged neglect of Greenland and made a case for stronger American presence in the Arctic.
As reported by HotNews, Vance accused Danish authorities of under investing in both the people of Greenland and the island’s defense infrastructure. He declared the Trump administration is “serious” about the strategic importance of Greenland, citing growing interest from China and Russia.
The Vice President said Greenland would be “far better under the U.S. security umbrella,” framing the move as one of mutual benefit. He emphasized the island’s geostrategic value and rich resources, particularly rare earth minerals vital to U.S. industries.
Local backlash and political tensions
Vance’s visit came under fire from both Greenlandic residents and Danish officials. Many in Nuuk planted flags and held signs rejecting American involvement, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen denounced the diplomatic approach as “unacceptable.”
Due to opposition from local leaders and the timing of Greenland’s coalition negotiations, Vance’s itinerary was revised to avoid direct contact with the public. Instead, his delegation—accompanied by his wife and national security officials—confined their activities to the Pituffik base.
Despite the scaled-back schedule, the trip was seen as a show of force. Vance reiterated that the U.S. cannot rely on Denmark or the European Union to maintain Arctic security.
His message was reinforced by President Trump, who declared from New Jersey, “We need Greenland—for world peace.”
Trump escalates rhetoric on acquisition
Trump emphasized the strategic necessity of acquiring the island, saying it is vital for international security and must be secured by any means short of military force. “If Denmark and the EU don’t understand that,” he said, “we’ll explain it to them.”
Meanwhile, Vance doubled down, saying, “Danes have failed the people of Greenland,” and that the Trump administration is ready to invest significantly more than Europe has.
Local resistance remains strong.
A new governing coalition was announced hours before Vance’s arrival, with leaders pledging to defend Greenland’s autonomy amid increasing U.S. pressure. Polls show overwhelming opposition among Greenlanders to any form of annexation by the United States.
