Tensions over Greenland’s future are escalating quickly.
This week, Usha Vance, wife of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, is set to visit the island to attend Greenland’s national dogsled race and “celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity,” according to the White House.
However, the trip has ignited anger from Greenland’s prime minister, who is furious over what he perceives as a provocative move by the U.S.
JD Vance’s New Hint
Donald Trump has long made no secret of his desire to take control of Greenland—and his right-hand man, Vice President JD Vance, is fully backing him.
In a heated interview with Fox News on March 23, Vance openly questioned Denmark’s ability to govern the Arctic island, claiming the country isn’t fulfilling its duties and isn’t being a “good ally” to the U.S.
JD Vance: Denmark is not doing its job, and isn't being a good ally…if that means we need to take more territorial interest in Greenland that is what president trump is going to do. Because he doesn't care about what the Europeans scream at us…pic.twitter.com/SuzUVF1PU1
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) March 23, 2025
“How are we going to solve our national security? If that means we need to take more territorial interest in Greenland, that’s what President Trump is going to do,” Vance asserted.
Greenland’s location makes it a vital asset for U.S. military operations, serving as a key early-warning hub for detecting ballistic missile threats. The island also hosts Pituffik Air Base, a critical U.S. outpost in the Arctic.
Vance doubled down on Trump’s no-nonsense approach, stating: “He doesn’t care about what the Europeans scream at us. He cares about putting the interests of American citizens first.”
“Excited to witness this monumental race”
Adding to the controversy, Second Lady Usha Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are set to visit Greenland this week in one of the most high-profile trips to the island since Trump’s notorious push to acquire it.
The White House insists that Usha Vance’s visit is focused on celebrating Greenlandic culture. According to the White House, “The second lady will travel to Greenland with her son and a United States delegation to visit historical sites, learn about Greenlandic heritage, and attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race.”
“Ms. Vance and the delegation are excited to witness this monumental race and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity,” the White House statement added.
But the timing has raised suspicions that the U.S. might be laying the groundwork for a more aggressive strategy. And the upcoming visit by Usha Vance and Mike Waltz is not sitting well with Greenland’s leaders.
Greenland’s Response
Prime Minister Múte B. Egede criticized the trip as “highly aggressive” in an interview with Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq on Sunday, expressing particular concern over Waltz’s presence.
“What is the national security adviser doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us,” Egede warned.
But he didn’t stop there—Egede fears the visit will fuel Washington’s ambitions over the Arctic territory.
“His mere presence in Greenland will no doubt embolden American belief in Trump’s mission—and the pressure will increase.”
Egede argues that democratic nations, especially Greenland’s allies, have been too reluctant to show clear support for Greenland.
“The highly aggressive American pressure on Greenlandic society is now so serious that the level cannot be raised any higher. Standing together in Greenland has not helped, speaking out has not helped, and the diplomatic attempt at dialogue has been in vain. Now the international community must respond,” Egede urged.
This isn’t the first time high-profile figures from Trump’s inner circle have visited Greenland. In January, Donald Trump Jr., the president’s son, made headlines with a trip to the island.
“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!” Trump Jr. posted on social media at the time.
With these prominent U.S. officials now stepping onto Greenlandic soil, the big question remains: Is this merely diplomacy—or the start of something much more aggressive?