Vice President Vance Treads Lightly on Visit to Greenland Amidst Political Discontent

When Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, touched down in Greenland on March 28, 2025, it wasn't just another routine diplomatic mission. The scaled-back stop at the U.S. Space Force outpost at Pituffik came after diplomatic ripples disturbed their initial visit agenda. Originally intended to span three days and include some cultural outings like a dogsled race in Sisimiut, the itinerary was reduced dramatically following protestations from local and Danish officials.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen didn't mince words, calling the impromptu plans 'unacceptable pressure' and standing firm that 'Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.' With echoes of previous tensions, this visit underscored ongoing unease over President Donald Trump’s proposal to annex Greenland, driven by the territory's potentially lucrative strategic resources and security value. 'I think we have to do it, and we have to convince them,' Trump stated, citing both strategic needs and the notion of U.S. citizenship being extended to Greenlanders.

Local Resistance and Government Stance

For Greenland’s residents, the idea is a non-starter. In the streets of Nuuk, opinions like those of 22-year-old Cora Høy’s—'Greenland is not for sale'—are commonplace. Fellow resident Inuk Kristensen, 30, dismissed Trump's approach entirely, labeling it untraditional and unwanted. Reflecting these sentiments, Greenland’s newly formed government, a coalition of four out of the five parliamentary parties, resolutely opposes U.S. territorial ambitions.

The motivations for the U.S.'s enduring interest aren't hard to discern. Greenland is a key player in Arctic strategy, with its wealth of rare earth minerals and critical position near North Atlantic trade currents catching the attention of not just America, but global powers like China and Russia. Nevertheless, Trump's annexation dreams, dating back to his first term, have been repeatedly spurned by both Denmark and Greenlanders.

Diplomatic Tightrope

During his brief stay, Vance, who often critiques Europe’s military dependency on the U.S., chose to lay low. The modifications to his schedule were likely an effort to dodge direct confrontation with locals who are less than enthusiastic about Trump's plans.

This diplomatic dance culminated in a protest gathering outside the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen, a day before the visit. It revealed simmering U.S.-Denmark tensions surrounding Greenland's autonomy and the stakes surrounding its future wealth in minerals. For now, the political and social climates resemble a powder keg, with diplomacy serving as a delicate wick.