US Vice President J.D. Vance paid an official visit to Greenland, during which he made statements about the need to strengthen US control over the island. Speaking at the Pituffik base, he sharply criticised Denmark, saying that it “does not pay enough attention” to its territory and does not provide an adequate level of security in the face of threats from China and Russia. This was reported by The Guardian.
Vance: “The US cannot ignore the situation in Greenland”
Speaking to the US military at the Pituffik base, Vance stressed that Greenland’s strategic importance is growing, and Denmark is not allocating enough resources to its security. “We cannot allow the island to fall under the influence of Moscow or Beijing. Greenland must be securely protected, and the United States is ready to invest in this protection,” he said.
The vice president also noted that “the US cannot be the wallet for the whole world”, hinting at the need to redistribute financial burdens among allies.
Trump’s reaction: “Greenland should be part of the United States”
On the same day that Vance was in Greenland, President Donald Trump reiterated the need for the island to become part of the United States. “Greenland is a key element of international security, and we cannot allow it to be used by our adversaries. We are ready to make that clear to both Denmark and the European Union,” he said at a meeting in New Jersey.
Reaction from Denmark and local residents
Denmark and Greenland were critical of Vance’s and Trump’s statements. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called Vance’s words “unacceptable”, and locals protested, saying they did not want American control. Banners reading “Yankees Go Home” and “Our land is our future” appeared on the streets of the capital Nuuk.
At the same time, Greenland’s new government, formed a few hours before Vance’s visit, announced its intention to strengthen its economic independence from Copenhagen and Washington.
Geopolitical implications
The situation around Greenland continues to escalate as China and Russia increase their presence in the Arctic. Washington, in turn, is ready to counter any influence that could threaten its interests in the region.
