WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Second Lady Usha Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz will visit Greenland later this week, a move that has come under sharp criticism from Greenlandic officials amidst continued tensions regarding U.S. interest in the Arctic region.
The White House said Sunday that Vance’s visit is to “learn about Greenlandic culture,” such as stopping at historical landmarks and attending the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled competition. Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B. Egede has, however, described the visit as “very aggressive” and accused the U.S. of putting undue pressure on Greenlandic society.
This trip comes after President Donald Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland, a Danish semi-autonomous territory, had been revived. During his speech to Congress on March 4, Trump expressed, “We need Greenland for national security and even international security,” claiming the U.S. will purchase the island “one way or another.
Egede answered strongly, saying, “We are not for sale and cannot simply be taken.” He insisted that Greenland’s sovereignty and democracy should not be treated disrespectfully by foreign nations.
The timing of the visit of the U.S. delegation has also been questioned, coming during Greenland’s recent elections in which the pro-business Democrats party, led by Jens-Frederik Nielsen, won. Nielsen has appealed for calm and asserted Greenland’s sovereignty, accusing the U.S. of disrespect.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has reaffirmed that any American cooperation should uphold the values of sovereignty, noting that Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark and not for sale. Despite the controversy, the U.S. delegation intends to go ahead with their visit, seeking to establish partnerships that uphold Greenland’s self-determination and foster economic cooperation.
