U.S. Vice President Vance scales back Greenland visit amid diplomatic tensions

NUUK, Greenland (AP) — U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife are set to visit an American military base in Greenland this Friday, following a diplomatic backlash over an earlier unapproved itinerary. The revised visit comes after growing tensions between the United States and Denmark, with Greenlanders expressing frustration over past remarks from former President Donald Trump about acquiring the mineral-rich territory.

Originally planned as a three-day visit, the trip was cut down to a single day following outcry from Greenlandic and Danish officials. Vance and his wife will now visit the U.S. Space Force outpost at Pituffik, located on Greenland’s northwest coast, avoiding interactions with locals angered by Trump’s previous statements on annexation. The shift in itinerary ensures adherence to diplomatic protocols, preventing any further strain on U.S.-Greenland relations.

The controversy surrounding the visit reignited tensions stemming from Trump’s repeated suggestions that the U.S. should exert control over Greenland. Denmark, a longstanding U.S. ally and NATO member, has firmly rejected such proposals. Following the uproar, four of the five parties in Greenland’s newly elected parliament formed a coalition, signaling a united front against U.S. ambitions over their land.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized the initial visit plan, calling it “unacceptable pressure.” Speaking to Danish broadcaster DR, she reiterated Denmark’s position, stating, “We really want to work with the Americans on defense and security in the kingdom. But Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.”

Greenlanders have also voiced their concerns. “Vance is welcome if he wants to see the island, but of course, Greenland is not for sale,” said Cora Høy, a 22-year-old resident of Nuuk. Others expressed frustration over the heightened international focus on Greenland. “Every day, it feels like it’s about Trump, and I just want to get away from it,” she added.

Greenland’s geopolitical importance continues to grow as both China and Russia seek access to Arctic waterways and its vast natural resources. Its strategic location as a gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic makes it a key player in global defense and economic interests. During his presidency, Trump openly suggested buying Greenland, a move that was met with strong resistance from both Denmark and the people of Greenland.

While Vance has not explicitly echoed Trump’s statements, he has openly criticized European allies for relying on U.S. military support. His stance has raised concerns among international partners about America’s commitment to traditional alliances.

As a response to the visit, opponents of U.S. involvement in Greenland have planned a demonstration in front of the American embassy in Copenhagen this Saturday. The diplomatic row highlights the delicate balance the U.S. must navigate as it seeks to maintain strong military ties while respecting Greenland’s sovereignty.

With geopolitical stakes rising, the scaled-back visit reflects an attempt to smooth relations while reaffirming the U.S. military’s presence in the Arctic. Whether it will ease tensions or further deepen skepticism among Greenlanders remains to be seen.