Greenland slams upcoming visit by Usha Vance and other US officials as 'provocation'

Washington’s delegation is meant to assert dominance, not diplomacy says Greenland leaders

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Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede has condemned the upcoming visit of US Second Lady Usha Vance and other senior American officials as a “provocation,” as tensions rise over President Donald Trump’s ongoing ambition to annex the Arctic territory.

Usha Vance, the wife of US Vice President JD Vance, is scheduled to arrive in Greenland on Thursday with a US delegation.

The White House described the visit as a cultural engagement, including a tour of heritage sites and attendance at the national dogsled race, Avannaata Qimussersu.

The group is expected to return to the United States on 29 March.

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright will also visit the region, including a stop at a US military base in Greenland, according to a US official.

Speaking to Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq, Egede said the visit by Waltz in particular was “highly aggressive” and served no purpose other than to assert pressure on the territory.

“The only purpose is to show a demonstration of power to us, and the signal is not to be misunderstood,” Egede said.

“He is Trump’s confidential and closest adviser, and his presence in Greenland alone will certainly make the Americans believe in Trump’s mission.”

Trump has repeatedly stated his interest in bringing Greenland under US control, calling it a strategic priority and telling Congress earlier this month: “We’re going to get it one way or the other.”

The island's location and mineral wealth have fuelled growing geopolitical interest from the US, Russia, and China.

Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory under Danish rule, has long rejected the notion of becoming part of the United States. The government is currently in a caretaker period following the 11 March general election, won by a party favouring a slow path to independence.

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, expected to be Greenland’s next prime minister, criticised the timing of the visit, calling it “a lack of respect” during a sensitive political transition.

“The fact that the Americans know very well that we are still in a negotiating situation... shows a lack of respect for the Greenlandic population,” Nielsen said.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also responded, calling the visit “serious” and stressing that any cooperation must adhere to the principles of sovereignty. “We want to cooperate with the United States,” she said, “but it must be based on fundamental respect for sovereignty.”

The US has framed the second lady’s visit as a celebration of Greenlandic culture.

“Ms. Vance and the delegation are excited to witness this monumental race and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity,” the White House said.

Despite US attempts to present the trip as ceremonial, Greenlandic officials and many citizens view it through the lens of Trump’s annexation rhetoric.

A January poll found 85% of Greenlanders opposed to becoming part of the United States, with nearly half viewing Trump’s statements as a direct threat.

The visit follows a string of high-profile American trips to Greenland, including one by Donald Trump Jr. in January. “Make Greenland Great Again!” he posted on social media at the time.