Vance accuses Denmark of underinvesting in Greenland as Trump presses
for US takeover of the island
[March 29, 2025]
By PHILIP CROWTHER, KIRSTEN GRIESHABER and AAMER MADHANI
NUUK, Greenland (AP) — U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Friday that
Denmark has "underinvested" in Greenland’s security and demanded that
Denmark change its approach as President Donald Trump pushes to take
over the Danish territory.
The pointed remarks came as Vance visited U.S. troops on Pituffik Space
Base on the mineral-rich, strategically critical island alongside his
wife and other senior U.S. officials for a trip that was ultimately
scaled back after an uproar among Greenlanders and Danes who were not
consulted about the original itinerary.
“Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by
the people of Greenland,” Vance said. “You have underinvested in the
people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security
architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with
incredible people. That has to change.”
Vance said the U.S. has “no option” but to take a significant position
to ensure the security of Greenland as he encouraged a push in Greenland
for independence from Denmark.
“I think that they ultimately will partner with the United States,”
Vance said. “We could make them much more secure. We could do a lot more
protection. And I think they’d fare a lot better economically as well.”
The reaction by members of Greenland's parliament and residents has
rendered that unlikely, with anger erupting over the Trump
administration’s attempts to annex the vast Arctic island. Danish Prime
Minister Mette Frederiksen pushed back on Vance's claim that Denmark
isn't doing enough for defense in the Arctic, calling her country “a
good and strong ally.”
Soon after arriving, Vance briefly addressed U.S. troops stationed at
the base as he and his wife sat down to lunch with them, saying that the
Trump administration is very interested in “Arctic security.” He and his
entourage, including national security adviser Mike Waltz, Energy
Secretary Chris Wright and Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, later received
briefings from military officials.
It was minus-3 degrees F (minus-19 degrees C) when the delegation landed
at the remote base 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) north of the Arctic
Circle. “It’s cold as s—- here. Nobody told me,” Vance said, prompting
laughs.
The revised trip to the semi-autonomous Danish territory comes as
relations between the U.S. and the Nordic country, a traditional U.S.
ally and NATO member, have soured. Trump had repeatedly suggested that
the United States should in some form control the island.
During his remarks at the end of the brief visit, Vance underscored that
he did not think military force was ever going to be necessary as he
pressed the idea of a dramatically enhanced American position on the
island.
“Because we think the people of Greenland are rational and good, we
think we’re going to have to cut a deal, Donald Trump style, to ensure
the security of this territory but also the United States of America,”
Vance said while adding that the people of Greenland had the right to
determine their own future.
In Washington, Trump on Friday said the U.S. “needs Greenland for
international security.”
Trump, speaking to reporters soon after Vance’s arrival, alluded to the
rising Chinese and Russian interest in the Arctic, where sea lanes have
opened up because of climate change.
“Greenland’s very important for the peace of the world,” Trump said.
“And I think Denmark understands, and I think the European Union
understands it. And if they don’t, we’re going to have to explain it to
them.”
After Vance's speech, Frederiksen said Denmark was increasing its
defense capabilities in the region, including new Arctic ships and
long-range drones.
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Two Greenland flags and a sign that reads "Our land, Our future" are
seen in front of the Inussuk statue, a sculpture marking the start
of Self Governance, during a visit by US Vice President JD Vance in
Nuuk Greenland, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/ Philip Crowther)
With Greenland part of NATO, she also emphasized the collective
responsibility of the alliance to defend the Arctic in response to
the Russian threat. After Denmark stood “side by side with
Americans” in its war against terror, she said it was “not a fair
way” for Vance to refer to Denmark.
Denmark's ambassador to the U.S., Jesper Møller Sørensen, thanked
Vance “for taking a closer look at Arctic security” and said both
countries agree more could be done.
“Greenland & Denmark share a desire to strengthen our already
incredibly close ties with our friend & ally," he wrote on social
media.
Ahead of Vance's arrival, four of the five parties elected to
Greenland's parliament earlier this month signed an agreement to
form a new, broad-based coalition government. The parties banded
together in the face of Trump's designs on the territory.
“It is a time when we as a population are under pressure,” the prime
minister-designate, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said before the accord
was signed to applause and cheers in the capital, Nuuk.
He added that “we must stick together. Together we are strongest,”
Greenland broadcaster KNR reported.
In a post on Instagram, Frederiksen congratulated Nielsen and his
incoming government, and said, “I look forward to close cooperation
in an unnecessarily conflict-filled time.”
Frederiksen said Tuesday that the U.S. visit, which was originally
set for three days, created “unacceptable pressure." She has said
Denmark wants to work with the U.S. on defense and security, but
Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.
Initially, Vance's wife, Usha Vance, had announced a solo trip to
the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut. The vice
president subsequently said he would join her on that trip, only to
change that itinerary again — after protests from Greenland and
Denmark — to a one-day visit to the military post only.
Inhabitants of Nuuk, which is about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles)
south of Pituffik, voiced concern about Vance's visit and the U.S.
interest in their island.
Cora Høy, 22, said Vance was “welcome if he wants to see it but of
course Greenland is not for sale.” She added that “it’s not normal
around here” with all the attention Greenland is getting. "I feel
now every day is about (Trump) and I just want to get away from it.”
“It’s all a bit crazy. Of course the population here is a bit shook
up,” said 30-year-old Inuk Kristensen. "My opinion is the same as
everyone’s: Of course you don’t do things this way. You don’t just
come here and say that you want to buy the place.”
As the nautical gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches
to North America, Greenland has broader strategic value as both
China and Russia seek access to its waterways and natural resources.
“We need to ensure that America is leading in the Arctic, because we
know that if America doesn’t, other nations will fill the gap where
we fall behind,” Vance said.
___
Grieshaber reported from Berlin and Madhani from Washington.
Associated Press writers Geir Moulson in Berlin and Vanessa Gera in
Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report.
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