Greenland PM Condemns ‘Aggressive’ US Visit Amid Annexation Tensions

Greenland Prime Minister Mute B. Egede has labeled an upcoming visit by a US delegation, including Second Lady Usha Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, as “highly aggressive,” escalating tensions with the US after President Donald Trump’s repeated calls to annex the autonomous Danish territory.

Usha Vance and US officials attend Greenland’s national dogsled race amid diplomatic tensions over annexation threats.

The White House stated that Vance, accompanied by her son, will attend Greenland’s national dogsled race, Avannaata Qimussersu, to “celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity” and visit historical sites. However, Egede, speaking to Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq, criticized Waltz’s involvement, arguing it signals a power play tied to Trump’s annexation agenda. “What is the national security adviser doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us,” Egede said.

Trump’s fixation on Greenland, driven by its strategic Arctic position and vast rare earth mineral reserves, has intensified international scrutiny, with the US, Russia, and China competing for influence in the region. Trump recently told Congress, “I think we’re going to get it one way or the other,” referring to annexation, despite firm rejections from both Greenland and Denmark.

The visit’s timing has drawn further criticism. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, likely Greenland’s next leader after his party’s recent election win, called it disrespectful amid ongoing government negotiations and municipal elections. “It shows a lack of respect for the Greenlandic population,” Nielsen told Sermitsiaq.

Denmark, which retains control over Greenland’s defense, foreign affairs, and monetary policy, also expressed concern. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told Reuters the visit is taken “seriously,” emphasizing cooperation with the US must respect sovereignty.

Greenland has governed itself more autonomously since 1953, with expanded self-rule in 2009. While opposed to annexation—85% of Greenlanders rejected joining the US in a January poll—local leaders remain open to US investment in mining, tourism, and diplomacy. Tensions persist as Trump’s rhetoric and high-profile visits, including one by Donald Trump Jr. in January, continue to stir unease.