Even well-known U.S. He was accompanied on this tour by his wife and numerous other high-ranking US officials. The trip sought to allay fears over Denmark’s historic levels of investment in Greenland’s burgeoning security apparatus. The trip was withdrawn following widespread outrage among Greenlanders and Danes over the proposed visit. Vance decried the Danish government for “underinvesting” in Greenland’s security and called for a “180-degree shift” in policy. President Donald Trump has moved to annex the mineral-rich Arctic island ever since, igniting a firestorm of debate. This proposal has met with fierce backlash from both Greenlandic politicians and the taxpayers of Greenland.
Vance’s visit underscored longstanding tensions over the US military presence in Greenland, which has dwindled from thousands of soldiers since 1945 to about 200 stationed at the remote Pituffik Space Base today. Even with this reduction, Vance seemed to prize over this US effort to be working with Greenland as a partner. His remarks went to the heart of continuing strategic concern with the region, amplified by the continuation of Trump’s annexation attempt.
“Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” – JD Vance
Denmark has responded brusquely to the allegations. They promised a large new financial investment of 14.6 billion Danish kroner, or $2.1 billion, to strengthen security in the Arctic region. Such projects comprise three new types of naval vessels, long-range drones, and satellites. Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen underscored the deep commitment his country has to the defense of the Arctic, if not the poor PR spin.
“Many accusations and many allegations have been made. And of course we are open to criticism,” – Lars Løkke Rasmussen
The reaction from Greenland’s parliament and its citizens has been one of anger and defiance against the Trump administration’s attempts to annex their territory. Greenlandic lawmakers have moved quickly to form a new, anti-colonialist government explicitly focused on pushing back against these overtures. The reaction has made any successful annexation by the Trump administration unlikely, reflecting the island’s determination to maintain its sovereignty.
“This is not how you speak to your close allies. And I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies.” – Lars Løkke Rasmussen
