Greenlandic leaders have voiced strong criticism over an impending visit from a high-profile American delegation to the semi-autonomous Danish territory, a region that President Donald Trump has previously suggested the U.S. should annex. The delegation, led by Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, will include White House national security adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Their itinerary features a visit to an American military base and attendance at a traditional dogsled race.
Mute Egede, Greenland’s outgoing prime minister, labeled the visit a “provocation” and confirmed that his caretaker government would not engage with the delegation. “Until recently, we could trust the Americans, who were our allies and friends,” Egede stated in an interview with local newspaper Sermitsiaq. “But that time is over.”
The Greenlandic government, known as Naalakkersuisut, is currently in a caretaker phase following a March 11 general election in which the pro-business Democratic Party emerged victorious. Party leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized the need for political unity, condemning the U.S. visit during ongoing coalition negotiations and just ahead of municipal elections. He stated that the trip illustrates a “lack of respect for the Greenlandic people.”
Waltz and Wright are scheduled to visit the Pituffik space base, the U.S. military facility in Greenland, where they will receive briefings from American service members. Following this, they will join Vance to explore historical sites and participate in the national dogsled race, an event that the U.S. sponsors.
Brian Hughes, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, defended the visit, asserting that it aims to strengthen partnerships that honor Greenland’s self-determination while promoting economic cooperation. “This is a visit to learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people,” Hughes remarked.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized U.S. interest in annexing Greenland, highlighting its strategic location and abundant mineral resources, which could significantly benefit the U.S. The island’s position along the shortest route from Europe to North America is vital for the U.S. ballistic missile warning system.
Both Greenland and Denmark have firmly opposed the notion of annexation. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen underscored the seriousness of the situation in response to the visit, asserting that cooperation with the U.S. must adhere to “the fundamental rules of sovereignty.” She further noted that discussions regarding Greenland would be conducted in close coordination with both the Danish government and the future Greenlandic administration.
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