Greenland’s PM. slams planned US. visit

Greenland’s Prime Minister on Monday, March 24, criticized a planned visit by US officials, including Second Lady Usha Vance, to the island.

According to Greenlandic newspaper Sernitsiaq, Mette B. Egede called it “highly aggressive” and said it marked a new low in relations.

This rating comes after President Donald Trump expressed intentions to annex the autonomous Danish territory.

According to a White House statement, Vance, wife of US Vice President JD Vance, is scheduled to visit Greenland this week.

She is to attend the island’s national dogsled race and “celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity.”

National security adviser Mike Waltz is also expected to join the trip, according to sources familiar with the visit.

Prime Minister Egede specifically objected to Waltz’s participation.

“What is the national security adviser doing in Greenland? His presence only serves to assert dominance over us,” Egede remarked.

He added that it would reinforce the American belief in Trump’s agenda, heightening pressure on Greenland.

Trump’s proposal to annex Greenland has brought global attention to the island, which is rich in rare earth minerals vital for high-tech industries.

The idea has prompted concerns about Greenland’s security as the US, Russia, and China compete for influence in the Arctic.

Despite Greenland and Denmark’s firm rejection, Trump has repeatedly shown interest in acquiring the island through force or economic pressure.

“I think we’re going to get it one way or the other,” Trump stated earlier this month.

Egede, who advocates for Greenland’s independence from Denmark, expressed his frustration.

He stated that Greenland’s diplomatic efforts are ineffective against Trump’s administration.

Egede added that Trump’s administration seems intent on controlling the island.

His left-wing party, Inuit Ataqatigiit, was defeated in the recent parliamentary elections.

However, he remains prime minister until a new coalition is formed.

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, likely to be Greenland’s next leader after his party’s electoral win, criticized the timing of the visit, calling it disrespectful.

“The Americans know we are still in a negotiation phase and the municipal elections aren’t concluded yet,

“but they still choose this moment to visit, showing a lack of respect for the Greenlandic people,” Nielsen told Sermitsiaq.

The White House described Vance’s visit as a cultural one, stating that she would travel with her son and a US delegation to explore historical sites.

In addition, they will learn about Greenlandic heritage, and attend the national dogsled race.

The visit is framed as an opportunity to celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity.

Although it is unclear whether a US delegation has ever attended the race before, much less one including a second lady.

Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 and achieved greater autonomy in 2009.

Although Denmark still controls security, defense, foreign policy, and monetary policy.

Greenland benefits from Denmark’s membership in the European Union and NATO.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed concern about the visit.

He noted that while Denmark values cooperation with the US, it must respect Greenland’s sovereignty.

Greenland’s politicians remain open to collaboration with the US on matters such as rare earth mining, tourism, diplomatic relations, and investment.

This is despite opposition to annexation,

A January poll revealed that 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the US.

Nearly half of respondents viewing Trump’s interest as a threat.

Meanwhile, Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., generated headlines with a visit to Greenland in January, promoting the idea of integrating the island into the US.

“Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if and when, it becomes part of our nation.

“We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside world. Make Greenland Great Again!” he posted on social media.