Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has publicly condemned the United States for what she describes as “unacceptable pressure” being exerted on Greenland. This statement comes ahead of an unsolicited visit to the Arctic territory by members of the Trump administration. The White House announced this surprising visit on Sunday, revealing that a US delegation led by Second Lady Usha Vance would arrive in Greenland later this week. This delegation will also include Mike Waltz, the White House National Security Adviser, who is currently entangled in a security leak scandal, and Chris Wright, the Energy Secretary.
In an interview with Danish channel TV 2 on Tuesday, Frederiksen declared, “I have to say that it is unacceptable pressure being placed on Greenland and Denmark in this situation. And it is pressure that we will resist.” She emphasized that the visit cannot be classified as a private trip, stating, “You cannot make a private visit with official representatives from another country.”
Frederiksen also expressed concern regarding Donald Trump's previous threats to acquire Greenland, asserting, “President Trump is serious … He wants Greenland. Therefore, it cannot be seen independently of anything else.” She criticized the upcoming visit, claiming it fails to consider the needs and desires of the Greenlandic people. “It is clearly not a visit that is about what Greenland needs or what Greenland wants from a visit,” she added. This visit, she believes, exerts pressure not only on Greenlandic politicians and the population but also on Denmark itself.
Greenland, which is still a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, retains a degree of autonomy but relies on Copenhagen for its security and foreign policy. The Danish government, as Greenland's former colonial ruler, has a significant role in the territory's international dealings. Trump has voiced his aspirations for the US to gain control over Greenland, citing its strategic importance for American security interests.
In response to the planned visit, Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede accused Washington of “foreign interference” amid the political uncertainty that has arisen following recent coalition talks. These discussions are particularly sensitive as they follow a general election held less than two weeks ago. Trump countered Egede’s claims by asserting that the delegation had been invited by “officials” from the Greenlandic side, stating, “People from Greenland are asking us to go there.” However, the Nuuk government refuted this claim, clarifying, “For the record, the Greenlandic government has not issued any invitations for visits, either official or private.”
The current political landscape in Greenland is complex, as the territory is governed by a caretaker government while coalition negotiations are underway. Recently, Greenland’s pro-US and Trump-friendly party, Naleraq, withdrew from negotiations, expressing concerns that Greenland should push for independence rather than align too closely with the US. Kuno Fencker, a member of the Naleraq party, voiced frustration over being excluded from coalition discussions, stating, “It has an effect because many of the members think that we, especially me, are selling the country to the US.”
Fencker criticized the Danish media for what he described as “fear-mongering” surrounding the United States and Trump, suggesting that the narrative of the US as a threat has been exaggerated. He stated, “Divide and rule is being used extremely towards Greenland and fear-mongering about the United States. And especially Donald Trump is framed as the big villain, big bad wolf, here.”
The White House has announced that Waltz and Wright will visit the US space force base in Pituffik, located in northern Greenland, for briefings with US personnel. Additionally, the delegation is expected to accompany Vance to historical sites and participate in a dog-sled race. The White House National Security Council has indicated that the purpose of the delegation is to “learn about Greenland, its culture, history and people,” amidst ongoing tensions and political uncertainties regarding US-Greenland relations.
