A high-profile US delegation’s visit to Greenland, including Second Lady Usha Vance, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, has sparked significant controversy amid escalating tensions between the US, Greenland, and Denmark. The visit, officially described by the White House as an effort to strengthen partnerships and foster economic cooperation, is perceived by Greenlandic and Danish politicians as provocative, aggravating an already strained diplomatic situation.
Greenland strongly reacts to US visit
Greenland’s acting government leader, Múte B. Egede, sharply criticized the US visit, accusing Washington of disrespecting Greenland’s sovereignty. In an interview with Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq, Egede urged the international community to oppose what he described as American ambitions of annexation.
“Every minute counts to ensure the American dream of annexing our land doesn’t become reality,” said Egede.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of Demokraatit (Greenland’s center-right party), which recently won parliamentary elections, raised concerns about the timing of the visit, emphasizing that it disrupts sensitive government formation negotiations and the ongoing municipal election campaign.
“Their decision to visit now clearly demonstrates a lack of respect towards the Greenlandic population,” Nielsen told Sermitsiaq.
Denmark expresses skepticism and concern
Denmark has echoed Greenland’s concerns. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted the connection between the visit and earlier statements by US President Donald Trump, who repeatedly suggested purchasing Greenland, even hinting at potential use of force. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen further described the US move as a “charm offensive” to draw Greenland closer to Washington.
“These are not ordinary tourists. It’s clearly a political signal intended to attract Greenland towards the US—something neither Greenland nor Denmark desires,” Rasmussen explained to DR.
To maintain public order during the visit, Denmark dispatched approximately 40 police officers to Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest city.
Mixed signals from Washington
Despite widespread concerns, the White House maintains the delegation aims to foster economic collaboration and respect Greenlandic autonomy. White House spokesperson Brian Hughes reiterated the US intention to build “partnerships respecting Greenland’s self-governance.”
However, Donald Trump’s recent comments reignited fears, suggesting Greenland “might be part of America’s future.” Trump also hinted at the possible participation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, heightening speculation about the administration’s long-term intentions.
Silent protest planned in Sisimiut
Local residents in Sisimiut have organized a unique protest—a silent demonstration. Organizer Per Nørgård explained that participants would silently turn away as the American delegation passes, symbolizing their disagreement.
“This is our way of showing we don’t agree with their presence and behavior,” Nørgård told Sermitsiaq.
Cultural diplomacy amid political tension
The US consulate in Nuuk sponsored Greenland’s national dog sled race, Avannaata Qimussersu, coinciding with the visit. Air Greenland confirmed to DR that the US funded transportation for the event. Critics interpret this cultural involvement as strategically motivated to influence public opinion.
Flemming Splidsboel Hansen, senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS), underscored the visit’s strategic nature.
“This visit is clearly part of a broader political strategy by the US,” Hansen noted, referencing prior controversial visits by Trump family members.
Local voices: “talked about, not talked with”
Many Greenlanders feel sidelined in discussions about their future. Line Pedersen Junge, a Nuuk-born educator now residing in Denmark, expressed frustration at the lack of Greenlandic perspectives in media coverage.
“It’s tragic and somewhat comic that Denmark only started to listen to Greenland’s own citizens after the US expressed interest,” Junge commented.
Delicate geopolitical balance in the Arctic
As Greenland navigates complex relationships with Denmark and the US, this visit highlights geopolitical tensions in the Arctic. Greenland’s increasing strategic importance, particularly amid US-China rivalry, means the international community’s response could set critical precedents for future Arctic diplomacy.
