In a provocative visit to Greenland, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has stirred tensions with Denmark and raised eyebrows among the local populace. The visit, which took place on March 28, 2025, was marked by Vance’s criticisms of Denmark’s handling of security in Greenland and the ongoing debate over the island’s status as a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha and a delegation that included National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, landed at the U.S. military base Pituffik, located approximately 1,500 kilometers north of Greenland's capital, Nuuk.
Upon arrival, Vance made a notable comment about the frigid temperatures, jokingly stating, "It’s arschkalt here" (it’s freezing here), as he greeted U.S. soldiers stationed at the base. The temperature at the base was recorded at minus 3 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 19 degrees Celsius, highlighting the harsh Arctic conditions.
The strategic importance of Pituffik, formerly known as Thule Air Base, cannot be overstated. It plays a crucial role in global missile defense and space surveillance. Vance’s visit was ostensibly to discuss security matters, but it quickly became apparent that it was also a platform for him to voice criticisms against Denmark. He accused the Danish government of failing to adequately protect Greenland, asserting, "Danish authorities have not done enough for the security of Greenland and the U.S. troops stationed there."
This visit comes in the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about acquiring Greenland, which he has described as essential for maintaining international security. Trump reiterated his stance during Vance’s visit, stating, "For international security, we must have Greenland. It is not a question of whether we can do without." The implications of such claims have been met with resistance from Greenland’s leadership, who view them as disrespectful and aggressive.
Greenland’s new Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, criticized Vance’s visit, labeling it as "disrespectful" given that it occurred without an official invitation from the local government. He emphasized that the timing was particularly inappropriate, as it coincided with the formation of a new coalition government comprising four of the five parliamentary parties, which aims to unite against external pressures, particularly from the U.S.
In a significant political move, the coalition, which holds 23 out of 31 seats in the parliament, expressed a united front against the perceived threats from the U.S. and reaffirmed their commitment to self-determination. Nielsen stated, "75 percent of the population are united by this coalition. It is now important that the entire society stands together. Only then can we face the great pressure we are under from the outside." This coalition has been formed in response to the increasing tensions surrounding Greenland's status and the U.S. administration’s aggressive posturing.
Vance’s remarks about the inadequacies of Danish security efforts were met with skepticism by the Greenlandic leadership. They argued that the U.S. has its own interests in the region, particularly regarding military strategy and resource extraction. Vance claimed that Greenland would be better off under the U.S. security umbrella, suggesting that military intervention would not be necessary as the local population would recognize the benefits of aligning with the U.S.
However, this assertion does not resonate well with many Greenlanders, who feel that their autonomy is being undermined. The new government’s formation and its unified stance against U.S. pressure signal a desire for greater independence from both Denmark and the U.S. As Nielsen noted, "This entire situation, that he comes to visit when no government is in power, is, in our opinion, not a show of respect towards an ally. It is a shame."
Vance’s visit, while brief—lasting only about three hours—was filled with implications for U.S.-Greenland relations. The delegation received a closed-door briefing on the security situation at Pituffik, where approximately 150 members of the U.S. Space Force and Air Force are stationed. Their primary mission includes monitoring potential ballistic missile threats to North America.
The rhetoric surrounding Greenland has intensified, especially with Trump’s administration framing the control of the island as vital for U.S. and global security. Vance’s comments about increasing military presence in the region, including plans to send more icebreakers and naval vessels, have sparked fears of militarization in the Arctic.
In the wake of Vance’s visit, Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, voiced her concerns, stating that the U.S. is exerting "unacceptable pressure" on Greenland and emphasized the need for a cooperative approach to Arctic governance. The Danish government has committed to investing billions in strengthening Greenland’s defense capabilities, reflecting a shift in their security policy in response to U.S. demands.
As tensions continue to rise, the situation in Greenland remains complex. The island's leaders are striving to navigate their autonomy while balancing the interests of powerful nations like the U.S. and Denmark. Vance’s visit, marked by provocative statements and a lack of engagement with the local population, may have further complicated these dynamics.
Ultimately, the future of Greenland's relationship with both the U.S. and Denmark will depend on continued dialogue and respect for the island's aspirations for self-determination. The formation of a broad coalition government in Greenland signals a clear message: the people of Greenland are united in their desire to chart their own course amidst external pressures.
