Denmark has expressed growing concerns over U.S. intentions in Greenland, despite a recent scaling back of Vice President JD Vance’s planned visit to the territory. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen highlighted the ongoing diplomatic tensions with the U.S., reflecting the uneasy relationship between Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. over the past few months.
In a candid Facebook post, Frederiksen acknowledged the complexities of the situation, noting that U.S. interest in Greenland remains strong but clarified that Greenland is not for sale, nor do Greenlanders wish to become American. “You have not let yourselves be intimidated… and shown what you stand for,” Frederiksen commended the people of Greenland for their resilience.
Rasmussen echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that while the high-profile U.S. visit to Greenland had been downgraded—now limited to a stop at the U.S. Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland—the fundamental issues remain unresolved. The White House confirmed that Vice President Vance and his wife will visit the base to meet U.S. troops and review security, while previously scheduled cultural events in Nuuk and Sisimiut were scrapped.
Greenland, which gained home rule in 1979, remains part of Denmark, though the Danish government retains control over foreign and defense policies. Rasmussen warned that U.S. actions in the region, particularly during a period of political uncertainty in Greenland, continue to raise challenges that need to be addressed with unity.
While the situation evolves, both Danish officials are stressing the importance of defending Greenland’s sovereignty and self-determination amid growing geopolitical tensions involving the U.S. and Arctic interests.
