Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute B. Egede has strongly criticized the Trump administration, calling its approach “highly aggressive” after discovering that a seemingly benign visit from second
lady Usha Vance would be preceded by a delegation of senior U.S. officials.
Vance is scheduled for a three-day trip to Greenland from Thursday to Saturday with her son, aiming to explore cultural and historical sites and attend the annual Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race.
However, the revelation that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright are slated to arrive earlier in the week on an official visit triggered outrage from Egede, who condemned the move in a fiery statement to local media.
“We are now at a level where it can in no way be characterized as a harmless visit from a politician’s wife,” Egede said. “What is the national security advisor doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us. His presence alone will fuel Trump’s ambitions and increase pressure on us.”
The Trump administration has made no secret of its interest in Greenland. Former President Donald Trump once floated the idea of purchasing the autonomous Danish territory, and his son, Donald Trump Jr., visited Nuuk earlier this year alongside several allies to explore the island’s potential.
Speaking on Denmark’s historical connection to Greenland, Trump previously stated, “A boat landed there 200 years ago or something. And they say they have rights to it. I don't know if that's true. I don’t think it is, actually.”
He added ominously, “I think we’re going to get it. One way or another, we’re going to get it.”
In response to these escalating actions, all five parties in Greenland’s parliament issued a joint statement condemning Trump’s remarks. Egede echoed those concerns, saying diplomatic efforts by Greenland are being dismissed by an administration determined to “own and control” the island.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also weighed in, calling the U.S. tactics "highly aggressive" and warning that the visits cannot be separated from the broader political context.
“These visits are not just symbolic,” Frederiksen said. “They carry weight, especially following public comments that indicate an intention to absorb Greenland into the U.S.”
Despite the criticism, U.S. officials maintain the visits are about diplomacy and cooperation. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said Waltz and Wright aim to engage with local leaders and military personnel at a U.S. space base in the region.
“The United States has a vested security interest in the Arctic,” Hughes said. “This visit is about learning more about Greenland and deepening partnerships that respect Greenland’s self-determination and support economic cooperation.”
Usha Vance echoed those sentiments in a social media video, expressing hope for a stronger U.S.-Greenland relationship. She and her son plan to attend the dogsled race, which will feature 37 mushers and 444 dogs.
“I look forward to meeting many of you soon and learning from you about your beautiful land, culture, and traditions,” she said.
Still, local skepticism remains. According to Danish outlet TV2, U.S. officials reached out to Malik Berthelsen, mayor of Qeqqata, to arrange a meeting with Vance — a request he declined due to local election campaigning.
Greenland, with a population of just over 55,000 and a massive land area rich in mineral resources, holds increasing strategic importance for global powers due to its location in the Arctic. Photo by Jensbn, Wikimedia commons.