Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance are making their way to Greenland amid rising tensions over U.S. interests in the Arctic. The couple boarded Air Force Two early Friday morning, March 28, 2025, for a scaled-back visit to the Pituffik Space Base, expected to last several hours. They are joined by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Senator Mike Lee, with their arrival anticipated around 11:45 a.m. ET.
The trip comes as President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland for U.S. national security, especially as both China and Russia increase their activities in the Arctic region. Trump has made controversial statements suggesting that the U.S. should take control of Greenland "one way or another," a sentiment he reiterated during a press conference on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. "We need Greenland for national security and international security. So we'll, I think, we'll go as far as we have to go," Trump stated. He added, "We need Greenland. And the world needs us to have Greenland, including Denmark. Denmark has to have us have Greenland."
Historically, Trump has shown interest in acquiring Greenland, a move that has met with significant opposition from both Greenland and Denmark. In a press release announcing the visit, Vance remarked, "In the decades since neglect and inaction from Danish leaders and past U.S. administrations have presented our adversaries with the opportunity to advance their own priorities in Greenland and the Arctic. President Trump is rightly changing course." This reflects a broader strategy to bolster U.S. presence and influence in a region of increasing geopolitical importance.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright, also part of the delegation, commented on the potential for U.S. investment in Greenland’s resources. "Greenland has tried for years to interest U.S. mining companies to develop resources there because there's not enough infrastructure to make mining economical. So, heck, maybe that is going to happen," he told Fox News on March 27, 2025. Wright emphasized that cooperation could lead to economic opportunities for Greenlanders and secure critical minerals and resources for the United States.
Usha Vance’s original itinerary included attending a national dogsled race, but plans changed following backlash surrounding the visit. The trip was scaled back to focus solely on the Pituffik Space Base, where Vice President Vance is expected to deliver remarks and receive briefings on Arctic security issues. This change reflects the sensitivity surrounding U.S. relations with both Greenland and Denmark, particularly in light of the current political climate.
The timing of the Vances' visit has drawn criticism, especially as Greenland is currently navigating the formation of a coalition government following parliamentary elections two weeks ago. Danish officials have publicly voiced their concerns regarding the U.S. approach. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described Trump’s remarks as an "escalation" in rhetoric that does not align with the traditional diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Denmark. "These very powerful statements about a close ally do not suit the U.S. president," Poulsen stated on March 27, 2025.
Adding to the diplomatic strain, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed her discontent on social media, stating that the U.S. is exerting "unacceptable pressure" on Greenland and Denmark ahead of the unsolicited visit. She affirmed that both regions will "resist" such pressures, indicating a strong stance against U.S. overtures.
Moreover, the Vances' visit coincides with a political scandal involving JD Vance and Mike Waltz. Both officials are at the center of controversy surrounding a conversation about a military attack on Houthi rebels in Yemen that inadvertently included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg from The Atlantic. This incident, which was reported on March 24, 2025, has raised further questions about the administration's internal communications and transparency.
The Vances' trip to Greenland is emblematic of the current U.S. administration's aggressive posture in international relations, particularly in the Arctic, where strategic interests are rapidly evolving. As China and Russia extend their influence in the region, the U.S. seeks to reassert its presence, with Greenland positioned as a pivotal asset in this geopolitical chess game.
Despite the apparent strategic motives, the local sentiment in Greenland and Denmark remains skeptical. Many residents of Greenland oppose the idea of the territory becoming part of the U.S., fearing loss of autonomy and cultural identity. This local resistance complicates the narrative that the U.S. government is promoting, highlighting a disconnect between Washington's ambitions and the realities on the ground.
As the Vances make their way to Greenland, the implications of their visit extend beyond mere diplomacy. It signals a renewed focus on Arctic security and the intricate balance of power in a region that is becoming increasingly contested. The outcome of this visit, coupled with the ongoing political developments in both Greenland and Denmark, will likely shape future U.S. foreign policy in the Arctic for years to come.
