Second Lady Usha Vance is scheduled to visit Greenland this Thursday, accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. This visit comes uninvited by either the Greenlandic or Danish governments, creating tension during a sensitive time in Greenland’s politics. The autonomous territory recently held elections where voters gave most support to parties that denounced the Trump administration’s ambitions to control the country, with the Democrats replacing Múte B. Egede’s Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party as the largest in parliament.
Accusations of Pressure
Former Greenlandic PM Múte B. Egede has criticized what he called “very aggressive American pressure” and urged international allies to speak out more forcefully in support of Greenland. “We are now at a level where it can in no way be characterized as a harmless visit from a politician’s wife… because what is the security adviser doing in Greenland?” Egede told Sermitsiaq newspaper. He added that Waltz’s presence “is to show a demonstration of power to us, and the signal is not to be misunderstood.”
Security Concerns
Danish police have confirmed sending extra personnel and sniffer dogs to Greenland ahead of the visit. Local media reported the arrival of four bulletproof cars in Nuuk city center, delivered by plane from the US. This heightened security presence underscores the significance of the visit beyond its stated cultural aims.
Visit Agenda
According to a press release from her office, Vance will “visit historical sites, learn about Greenlandic heritage, and attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race.” Meanwhile, Waltz and Wright will visit American troops stationed at Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, which the US has maintained in some form since the early 1950s.
International Relations Impact
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the visit “cannot be seen independently of the public statements that have been made,” referring to President Trump’s repeated claims that he’ll acquire Greenland “one way or another.” Frederiksen emphasized, “In the kingdom, we want to cooperate with the Americans. But it must be a cooperation that is based on the fundamental values of sovereignty and respect between countries and peoples.”
Trump reinforced these concerns Monday when he told reporters after a cabinet meeting: “I think Greenland is going to be something that maybe is in our future.” This continues a pattern that began during his first term, when Trump expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, calling Frederiksen “nasty” after she described the proposal as “absurd.”