Vice President Vance Visits Greenland Amid Security Concerns

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President JD Vance is set to join his wife on a trip to Greenland this Friday, emphasizing in an online video the critical nature of global security in the region. Vance stated, “We’re going to check out how things are going there. Speaking for President Trump, we want to reinvigorate the security of the people of Greenland because we think it’s important to protecting the security of the entire world.”

This visit follows controversy surrounding Vance’s remarks suggesting that the United States should have some control over the self-governing territory known for its rich mineral resources. Greenland’s strategic location as a nautical gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic has made it a focal point for both China and Russia, which are also interested in accessing its waterways and natural resources.

The vice president’s choice to visit a U.S. military base in Greenland circumvented the potential diplomatic faux pas of traveling to a foreign territory without an invitation. Notably, Vance has faced criticism for comments regarding reliance on U.S. military support among European allies, provoking concerns about America’s reliability and commitment to its partnerships.

In anticipation of Vance’s announcement, tensions have been rising between Greenland, Denmark, and the U.S. The Greenland government issued a statement on Facebook, asserting, “We have not extended any invitations for any visits, neither private nor official.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen labeled Vance’s actions as “unacceptable pressure” during interviews with national media.

Usha Vance, the vice president’s wife, plans to visit historical sites in Greenland with one of her children, but JD Vance’s involvement has shifted the focus towards national security concerns. He noted, “I didn’t want to let my wife have all that fun by herself,” and intends to inspect the Pituffik Space Base on Greenland’s northwest coast.

Vance emphasized the need for attention to Greenland, stating that leaders in Denmark and North America have “ignored” it for “far too long.” This visit replaces Usha Vance’s earlier planned attendance at the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut.

Dwayne Ryan Menezes, founder of the Polar Research & Policy Initiative, cautioned that the U.S. administration’s assertiveness could backfire, arguing that while recognizing Greenland’s strategic importance is wise, “turning its back on its allies” undermines U.S. interests in the long run.

Marc Jacobsen, a professor at the Royal Danish Defense College, noted that a 1951 defense agreement permits the U.S. to visit the space base, although the timing is contentious. “Greenland and Denmark have stated very clearly that they don’t want the U.S. to visit right now when Greenland doesn’t have a government in place,” Jacobsen added.

Former President Trump had previously proposed purchasing Greenland, an idea that sparked ire from Denmark, a NATO ally, which emphasized the territory was not for sale. The local populace has similarly expressed resistance to such notions. Under the current political climate, Vance’s initiative reflects a broader strategy being pursued by the Trump administration that aspires to rethink territorial boundaries and U.S. influence globally.

Keyton reported from Berlin. Associated Press writer Jamey Keaten contributed reporting from Geneva.