Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, is set to lead a U.S. delegation to Greenland on March 27, 2025, marking another chapter in President Donald Trump's ongoing interest in the mineral-rich territory. The visit aims to strengthen U.S.-Greenland relations while showcasing cultural heritage, amidst plans for greater American involvement.
Accompanied by her son, Vance will participate in Greenland's celebrated Avannaata Qimussersu dog sled race, which involves 444 dogs and 37 mushers—an event that the U.S. has chosen to sponsor. In a video posted on social media, she expressed her hopes for the U.S.-Greenland relationship to grow stronger in the future, reflecting the goals of the delegation to strengthen ties across nations.
The delegation also includes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who are expected to tour a military base during the visit. The administration has emphasized this trip is not purely cultural but part of a broader strategy that involves considerations of national security.
Trump's interest in Greenland goes back to his first term when he controversially proposed buying the island from Denmark, a notion firmly rejected by Danish officials. Recently, tensions have mounted as Trump underscored that the future of Greenland should be decided by its people and government. 'I would not use force to take it,' he stated, stressing that Greenland's citizens should have the right to determine their own future.
The timing of Vance's visit has drawn criticism from Greenlandic leaders. Prime Minister Mute B. Egede described it as an 'aggressive' move by the Trump administration, noting that it coincides with ongoing negotiations for Greenland’s parliamentary elections, which have not yet culminated in a new government formation. 'The Americans know we are in the middle of negotiations, yet they proceed anyway,' remarked Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of Greenland's most prominent political party. 'It once again shows a lack of respect for the Greenlandic people.'
Amid international concerns, Vice President J.D. Vance dismissed European objections to U.S. interests in Greenland, proclaiming that 'Denmark is not doing its job with Greenland.' He expressed that the U.S. might take more territorial interest in Greenland, prioritizing American citizens above all else. In his remarks on Fox News, he emphasized that Trump did not care about European outrage and was focused on the interests concerning the United States.
These assertive statements come against a backdrop of Trump's comments regarding Denmark's historical claims over Greenland. During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, he questioned, 'Denmark is very far away. A boat landed there 200 years ago or something, and they say they have rights to it. I don’t know if that’s true. I don’t think it is, actually.'
Most members of Greenland’s parliament have united against Trump’s claims, issuing a joint statement opposing any annexation or claims to the land. The leaders affirm Greenland's right to determine its own future without external pressures. Additionally, Denmark has reiterated its position of not intending to sell Greenland.
In a bid to garner local support for Trump's administration's plans, Donald Trump Jr. visited Nuuk, Greenland, earlier this year, meeting with citizens who align closely with his father's vision. His efforts indicated an intention to establish rapport with pro-Trump sentiment amongst Greenlanders.
Trump has not limited his ambitions to Greenland. His administration has also floated plans that include the potential military control of Panama and the annexation of Canada as the 51st U.S. state. Such proposals have raised eyebrows globally, intensifying debates over U.S. foreign policy and its impact on international relationships.
As Usha Vance and her delegation prepare for their journey, they step into a complex political landscape where historical ties, cultural events, and strategic interests converge. The delegation aims not only to attend the dog sled race but also to affirm the U.S.'s role in Greenland's future amid geopolitical uncertainties.
In the same vein, Vance noted that she looks forward to learning about Greenlandic culture and traditions, stating, 'I look forward to meeting many of you soon and to learning from you about your beautiful land, culture and traditions.'
Upon their return on March 29, 2025, the visit could serve as a litmus test for the evolving relationship between the U.S. and Greenland, evaluating both the cultural and strategic implications of Trump's ongoing pursuit of influence over the Arctic territory.
