Usha Vance’s visit sparks outrage in Greenland over rising US pressure

Prime Minister Múte B. Egede criticized the presence of top US officials, including national security adviser Mike Waltz, who will accompany Vance to the island this week. While the White House described the trip as a cultural mission tied to Greenland’s national dogsled race, Egede questioned its true intent.

"What is the national security adviser doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us," Egede told Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq. "His mere presence in Greenland will no doubt fuel American belief in Trump’s mission - and the pressure will increase."

Egede, who supports full independence from Denmark, accused Washington of ignoring Greenlandic diplomacy. "Our efforts to be diplomatic just bounce off Donald Trump and his administration in their mission to own and control Greenland," he added.

New leadership slams "disrespectful" timing

Although Egede’s left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party lost recent elections, he remains in office until a new coalition is formed. Likely successor Jens-Frederik Nielsen also criticized the US timing.

"The fact that the Americans know very well that we are still in a negotiating situation and that the municipal elections have not yet concluded, they still capitalize on the moment to come to Greenland, once again, which shows a lack of respect," he said.

Despite public opposition - 85% of Greenlanders say they don’t want to become part of the US, according to a January poll - Trump has repeatedly vowed to claim the territory. "I think we’re going to get it one way or the other," he said earlier this month. Meanwhile, Trump Jr. visited the island in January, declaring on social media: "Make Greenland Great Again!"

While the US delegation to visit Greenland claims cultural motives, local leaders fear growing geopolitical pressure threatens the island’s autonomy.