Greenland’s Prime Minister Condemns ‘Aggressive’ U.S. Visit Amid Rising Tensions

TDT | Manama
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Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute B. Egede has sharply criticized a planned visit by U.S. officials, including Second Lady Usha Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, calling it a “highly aggressive” move that exacerbates tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s continued push to annex the autonomous Danish territory.

Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance, is set to visit Greenland this week to attend the island’s national dogsled race and promote U.S.-Greenlandic cultural ties. The White House has framed the trip as a goodwill visit, emphasizing its focus on Greenlandic heritage. However, Waltz’s presence has raised alarms in Nuuk, with Egede questioning why a top security official would accompany a cultural delegation.

“What is the national security adviser doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us,” Egede told Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq. “His mere presence will no doubt fuel American belief in Trump’s mission — and the pressure will increase.”

The visit comes amid heightened concerns over Greenland’s strategic and economic significance. The Arctic island is home to vast reserves of rare earth minerals, critical to global industries, and has become a focal point in the geopolitical rivalry between the U.S., China, and Russia. Trump has repeatedly signaled his intent to claim Greenland, either through economic deals or outright annexation, despite firm opposition from both Denmark and Greenland.

“I think we’re going to get it one way or the other,” Trump declared earlier this month during a speech to Congress, further escalating fears in Nuuk and Copenhagen.

Greenland, which has been working toward greater independence from Denmark, has rejected U.S. annexation efforts but remains open to economic partnerships, including rare earth mining and tourism investments. However, Egede warned that Washington’s growing interest in the island threatens Greenland’s autonomy.

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the leader of the party that won Greenland’s recent elections and likely the country’s next prime minister, echoed Egede’s concerns, calling the U.S. visit ill-timed and disrespectful. “They are capitalizing on this transitional period to push their agenda,” Nielsen said.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also expressed concern, saying the visit was “something we take seriously.” While Denmark supports stronger ties with the U.S., she emphasized that cooperation must respect Greenland’s sovereignty.

Meanwhile, public opinion in Greenland remains firmly against U.S. annexation. A January poll found that 85% of Greenlanders opposed becoming part of the U.S., with nearly half viewing Trump’s interest as a direct threat. Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., has also fueled controversy, previously visiting Greenland and posting on social media: “We will protect it and cherish it… Make Greenland Great Again!”

As U.S. officials prepare to set foot in Nuuk, Greenland’s leadership remains wary, fearing that what is presented as a diplomatic visit is, in reality, a calculated step in Trump’s long-standing ambition to bring the island under American control.