Washington, D.C. – Vice President JD Vance emphasized on Friday during a visit to the U.S. military base in Greenland that the Trump administration does not foresee the necessity of military intervention in the region. This statement came on the same day President Donald Trump reiterated his strong interest in acquiring Greenland, stating, “We have to have Greenland.”
Vance toured the Pituffik Space Base, the northernmost U.S. military installation, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Senator Mike Lee of Utah. While on-site, Vance criticized Denmark’s governance of Greenland, reinforcing the Trump administration’s focus on the semi-autonomous Danish territory despite resistance from both residents and Danish leaders.
Trump Emphasizes Greenland’s Strategic Importance
Addressing reporters at the White House, President Trump underscored the significance of Greenland to international security. “We need Greenland, very importantly, for international security. We have to have Greenland. It’s not a question of, ‘Do you think we can do without it?’ We can’t,” the president declared.
While Trump has not explicitly ruled out the possibility of using military force in Greenland, Vance conveyed a different perspective, suggesting that the Greenlandic people may ultimately seek independence from Denmark. When asked whether his stance aligns with the president’s, Vance clarified that Trump seeks an expanded U.S. presence in Greenland but does not anticipate military action.
Vance: Greenland’s Future Lies in Self-Determination
“What we believe will happen is that the Greenlanders, through self-determination, will choose to become independent from Denmark. At that point, we will engage in discussions with the people of Greenland regarding their future,” Vance explained.
He further dismissed premature speculation regarding military intervention, reinforcing that “we do not think that military force is ever going to be necessary.” Instead, Vance expressed confidence in negotiating a strategic agreement, stating, “Because we believe the people of Greenland are rational and good, we think we’re going to be able to cut a deal, Donald Trump style, to ensure both the security of Greenland and the United States of America.”
Vance said his visit to the base gave him a firsthand understanding of Greenland’s critical role in U.S. national security. He noted that if an enemy launched a missile at the U.S., it would be the American soldiers stationed in Greenland who would first sound the alarm. Acknowledging the growing interest of Russia and China in the Arctic, Vance emphasized the need for the U.S. to take the lead in the region. While he recognized Denmark’s past contributions as a security partner, he criticized the country, arguing that under its stewardship, the security of the U.S. base in Greenland has declined compared to previous decades.
“No amount of bullying, obfuscation, or confusion will change the facts,” Vance said. “Our message to Denmark is simple: You have failed the people of Greenland. You have underinvested in their future and the security infrastructure of this vast, beautiful land with its incredible people. That must change. And because it hasn’t, that’s why President Trump’s policy on Greenland stands as it does.”
The second lady had initially planned a cultural visit to Greenland this week, but on Tuesday, the vice president announced he would join her for a shorter trip that would place a greater emphasis on U.S. policy and defense.
Vance also expressed his gratitude to the soldiers stationed at the base, who serve year-long deployments without their families.
“I know spending a year away from your loved ones is a significant sacrifice, but your mission is critical,” Vance said. “The Trump administration, and the president himself, are deeply committed to Arctic security. As you all know, this is a major issue, and it will only grow in importance over the next decade. I appreciate your dedication.”
Waltz echoed Vance’s sentiments, telling the soldiers they are upholding a long-standing tradition of U.S. military presence in Greenland and emphasizing the president’s serious commitment to Arctic security.
A statement from the vice president’s office earlier this week, announcing that Vance would join his wife on the trip, underscored Greenland’s strategic importance to U.S. national security.
“During World War II, the United States established over a dozen military bases in Greenland to defend the North Atlantic from Nazi incursions,” the statement read. “During the Cold War, the U.S. invested further resources in Greenland to protect against Soviet missile threats.”
The statement went on to criticize Denmark, asserting, “In the decades since neglect and inaction by Danish leaders and past U.S. administrations have allowed our adversaries to pursue their interests in Greenland and the Arctic. President Trump is rightly reversing course.”
Mr. Trump remains interested in bringing Greenland into the United States despite strong opposition from its leadership and residents. Greenland, a vast island northeast of Canada, is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. It is nearly three times the size of Texas, though much of it is covered in ice. Most of its approximately 57,000 residents—fewer than those in Carson City, Nevada—live along the island’s southern coast.
A recent poll found that 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the U.S., a sentiment echoed by residents who spoke with CBS News ahead of Vance’s visit to America’s northernmost military base on the island.
“He can’t just take it like that,” said Daniel Rosing, a trainee electrician who expressed pride in being Greenlandic.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, has called the planned visits from U.S. officials “aggressive,” while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen accused the U.S. of applying “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland.
Despite this opposition, Mr. Trump reaffirmed his stance earlier this month during a speech before a joint session of Congress, declaring, “I have a message tonight for the incredible people of Greenland: We strongly support your right to determine your future, and if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America.”
He emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance to U.S. national security and stated that his administration is “working with everybody involved to try and get it.”
“And I think we’re going to get it, one way or the other,” Mr. Trump added. “We’re going to get it. We will keep you safe, we will make you rich, and together, we will take Greenland to heights you never thought possible. It’s a tiny population, but a very, very large piece of land—crucial for military security.”
JD Vance’s Criticism of Denmark
Key Points from Vance’s Statements on Denmark’s Handling of Greenland
JD Vance sharply criticized Denmark during his trip to Greenland, arguing that the country has failed to adequately support the territory economically and in terms of security. His statements underscored concerns that Denmark’s governance has left Greenland vulnerable to external influence, particularly from geopolitical rivals like China and Russia.
Accusations of Underinvestment and Security Concerns
- Lack of Economic Development: Vance accused Denmark of neglecting Greenland’s infrastructure and economic growth, leaving its people without sufficient opportunities. He argued that more investment is needed to support Greenlanders and develop the region’s potential.
- Weak Security Measures: Vance claimed that under Denmark’s stewardship, Greenland’s security has deteriorated, making it more susceptible to foreign interference. He suggested that the U.S. should take a more decisive role in ensuring the region’s stability.
- Geopolitical Vulnerability: He warned that Denmark’s inaction has allowed adversaries, particularly China and Russia, to expand their influence in the Arctic, which poses a threat to U.S. national security.
How His Remarks Align with Trump’s Arctic Strategy
- Increased U.S. Presence in Greenland: Vance’s comments echo Trump’s broader Arctic strategy, which seeks to strengthen U.S. influence in the region. Trump has long pushed for greater American involvement, even suggesting acquiring Greenland as a U.S. territory.
- Countering China and Russia: By calling out Denmark’s shortcomings, Vance reinforced Trump’s stance that the U.S. must take the lead in securing Greenland to prevent adversaries from gaining strategic advantages.
- Economic and Military Expansion: Trump’s administration has advocated for investing in Greenland’s economy and military infrastructure, a sentiment reflected in Vance’s call for more engagement and support from the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did JD Vance criticize Denmark during his Greenland trip?
JD Vance accused Denmark of neglecting Greenland’s development and security, arguing that the territory has been underfunded and left vulnerable to foreign influence, particularly from China and Russia.
What is the significance of Greenland to U.S. national security?
Greenland hosts Thule Air Base, a key U.S. military installation for missile detection and Arctic operations. Its strategic location is crucial for monitoring potential threats from adversaries like Russia.
What has been Denmark’s response to Vance’s criticism?
Danish officials, including Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, have rejected the accusations, calling U.S. pressure on Greenland “unacceptable” and defending Denmark’s role as a responsible partner.
How do Greenland’s leaders feel about U.S. involvement?
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, has called the visits from U.S. officials “aggressive” and expressed concerns about outside interference in Greenland’s affairs.
Why is Donald Trump interested in Greenland?
Trump has long viewed Greenland as strategically valuable for national security and economic resources. He previously floated the idea of purchasing the island in 2019 and has continued to push for increased U.S. influence in the region.
How do Greenland’s people feel about potentially joining the U.S.?
A recent poll found that 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States. Many residents, including young professionals like Daniel Rosing, have voiced strong national pride and resistance to foreign control.
What role does China play in the Greenland debate?
China has shown interest in Greenland’s rare earth minerals and Arctic shipping routes, raising U.S. concerns that Beijing could gain a strategic foothold in the region if Denmark does not strengthen its presence.
Conclusion
JD Vance’s sharp criticism of Denmark during his Greenland visit underscores the Arctic’s growing geopolitical significance. His remarks align with Donald Trump’s long-standing interest in Greenland, emphasizing U.S. concerns over security, economic investment, and countering foreign influence from Russia and China. While Denmark and Greenland’s leaders have pushed back against U.S. pressure, the Trump administration remains committed to strengthening America’s presence in the region.