Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the United States is exerting "unacceptable pressure" on Greenland. This comment came ahead of a visit by a high-profile U.S. delegation to the semi-autonomous Danish territory. The delegation includes U.S. Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
On social media, the vice president announced his visit to Greenland, which is scheduled for Friday. His wife had planned to attend a dog sled race, but that event was canceled, and she will instead visit the Pituffik Space Base.
President Donald Trump reiterated his assertion that Greenland is significant for U.S. national security, a claim that Frederiksen has rejected, emphasizing that the future of Greenland rests with its people. "It is unacceptable pressure being placed on Greenland and Denmark in this situation. We will resist this pressure," she stated.
Greenland's acting head of government, Mute Egede, referred to the U.S. delegation's visit as a "provocation," coinciding with coalition talks and upcoming municipal elections. Analyst Noa Redington criticized the visit as a "charm offensive without the charm," suggesting it aimed to intimidate the Greenlandic people and provoke Denmark.
Following Trump's private visit to the mineral-rich island in January, he has expressed interest in U.S. annexation, urging Greenlanders to align with the United States, a sentiment that has been met with overwhelming opposition from the Greenlandic population.
Protests against American influence recently took place in Nuuk and other towns, marking some of the largest demonstrations in Greenland's history. Trump mentioned that his administration is working with "people in Greenland" who want progress, though he did not provide details.
Kuno Fencker, a member of Greenland's parliament from the pro-independence Naleraq party, welcomed the visit, calling it "an honor and a strong signal of respect."
White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated that the purpose of the delegation is to "learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people." However, Frederiksen contended that the visit does not align with Greenland's needs or desires. "President Trump is serious. He wants Greenland. Therefore, this visit cannot be seen independently of anything else," she asserted.
Frederiksen acknowledged Denmark's cooperative relationship with the United States, citing a 1951 bilateral agreement that grants U.S. rights to operate military bases in Greenland with proper notification. "We are allies," she affirmed, noting that there is no indication from Denmark or Greenland rejecting cooperation with the U.S.
Egede has called for stronger support from allies in response to U.S. actions. Frederiksen remarked, "There is massive support from the Nordic countries and the EU, so we have our allies and close partners with us."