Nuuk, Greenland — Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B. Egede has condemned a scheduled visit by U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance and other senior American officials, calling it a “very aggressive” display of power amid escalating tensions over renewed U.S. interest in acquiring the autonomous Arctic territory.
The backlash comes after former President Donald Trump—currently running for re-election—reiterated his controversial ambitions to buy Greenland, a proposal that was first floated during his 2019 presidency. Trump’s recent comments reignited fears of American interference in the region’s sovereignty, and now, the upcoming high-level visit is being interpreted as more than just diplomacy.
“This visit is not a sweet little trip by the spouse of a politician,” said Egede in a strongly worded statement over the weekend. “It’s a very aggressive expression of the U.S. pushing their agenda and putting pressure on Greenlandic society.”
The Visit: Culture or Power Play?
The U.S. delegation, which includes Second Lady Usha Vance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, is scheduled to arrive in Greenland this week. According to the White House, the purpose of the visit is to participate in a celebration of Greenlandic culture, including the Avannaata Qimussersu—the nation’s national dog sled race.
But Greenlandic officials are unconvinced. The presence of top security and energy figures has raised red flags about the true motivations behind the trip, particularly given the region’s geopolitical significance and the United States’ longstanding interest in the Arctic.
“They’re showing us who they are bringing: The energy minister, the national security adviser, and the second lady. That says everything about the level they’re playing at,” Egede added.
Tensions Fuelled by Trump’s Greenland Comments
The diplomatic rift stems in large part from Trump’s recent reaffirmation that he intends for the U.S. to acquire Greenland “one way or another,” if he regains power. Though Denmark, which oversees Greenland’s foreign and security affairs, rejected the proposal in 2019, Trump’s revived statements have renewed Greenland’s fears of American overreach.
The U.S. has intensified its Arctic strategy in recent years, opening a consulate in Nuuk in 2020 and increasing economic outreach to the island. But the recent push has been met with increasing skepticism from Greenlanders, who fear that U.S. interest may threaten their political autonomy and environmental priorities.
Greenlandic Leaders Push Back
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, a prominent Greenlandic lawmaker and likely candidate for future leadership, echoed Egede’s sentiment, saying the visit shows “a lack of respect” for Greenland’s people and its political processes. “The timing couldn’t be worse,” he said. “It feels more like a demonstration of dominance than a gesture of friendship.”
The controversy also coincides with local elections, which has further politicized the visit. Greenland’s opposition parties have seized on the issue, questioning the government’s stance and demanding transparency about any negotiations with foreign powers.
Public Sentiment and International Implications
Polls show that nearly 85% of Greenlanders strongly oppose any attempt by the United States to annex or purchase the island. Protests have already begun in Nuuk, with demonstrators holding signs reading “Greenland is not for sale” and “Respect our sovereignty.”
Denmark has responded cautiously, emphasizing that while it welcomes dialogue with allies like the U.S., all discussions must respect Greenland’s right to self-determination.
“We must ensure our cooperation with the United States is grounded in mutual respect,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Monday. “This includes respecting Greenland’s status, voice, and values.”
What Happens Next?
With Usha Vance and the U.S. delegation still scheduled to land in Greenland later this week, the world will be watching closely. For now, Egede insists Greenland’s sovereignty is not up for negotiation—no matter who is visiting.
“The days of superpowers making deals behind closed doors are over,” Egede said. “We are not a pawn in someone else’s game. Greenland decides Greenland’s future.”
