U.S. President Donald Trump has once again expressed his desire for the United States to acquire Greenland. His statement comes amid controversy surrounding a high-level U.S. delegation’s visit to the world’s largest island.
Leaders of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, view the visit as a provocation. Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister, Mute Egede, condemned the trip and stated that his government would not meet with the U.S. delegation. He described the move as an interference that violates democratic principles and disrespects Greenland’s self-governance.
Following a meeting with his Cabinet on Monday, Trump said, “I believe Greenland could be very important for us in the future. It is crucial for our national security.”
Trump further claimed, “We are not reaching out to them; they are reaching out to us.” He mentioned that his administration is working with “some people in Greenland” who desire change, though he did not provide specifics.
U.S. Delegation’s Visit and Danish Opposition
The U.S. delegation, visiting from March 20 to March 22, includes U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Greenland recently held parliamentary elections on March 11, in which the pro-independence Democrats won. Their leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of the U.S. visit, stating, “We should not be involved in a game we did not choose.”
Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, also criticized the visit, calling it “problematic” and “disrespectful.” He argued that the visit is not merely diplomatic but part of a strategy to align Greenland with the U.S.
However, White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes explained that the visit aims to build economic partnerships while respecting Greenland’s autonomy.
Military Presence in Greenland
On March 23, two U.S. military transport planes landed in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, carrying security personnel and bulletproof vehicles. Additionally, 60 Danish police officers have been deployed there.
Waltz and Wright plan to visit the U.S. military base in Pituffik, a key site for America’s ballistic missile warning system due to its strategic location between Europe and North America. The delegation will also tour historical sites and participate in a dog sled race.
In a video message, Usha Vance stated that the visit is meant to celebrate the long history of mutual respect and cooperation between the U.S. and Greenland.
Trump’s Renewed Push for Greenland
Trump first proposed buying Greenland in 2019. Since returning to the White House in January, he has revived the idea, even suggesting the possibility of using military force, though he did not confirm any concrete plans.
Both the Danish and Greenlandic governments have rejected Trump’s proposal. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated, “We seek cooperation with the United States, but within the fundamental rules of sovereignty.” She emphasized that any discussions on Greenland’s future would involve both Denmark and Greenland.