Greenland PM Slams Usha Vance’s Visit as ‘Power Display’ Amid Growing Tensions with US Over Arctic Interests
Second Lady Usha Vance is set to visit Greenland this week from Thursday to Saturday, accompanied by one of her children and a U.S. delegation. While the trip is being promoted as a cultural exchange, Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede has strongly criticized the visit, calling it a display of American power.
His outrage intensified upon learning that Vance’s arrival would follow a visit from National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright—raising concerns over U.S. intentions in the Arctic.
🚨🇺🇸U.S. SECOND LADY USHA VANCE HEADS TO GREENLAND
Usha Vance will lead a U.S. delegation to Greenland this week, visiting an American military base and attending a dogsled race.
Greenlandic leaders criticized the trip, calling it tone-deaf and disrespectful as tensions rise… https://t.co/QGMPOSoSLJ pic.twitter.com/AvHf8aATv1
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 24, 2025
The White House announced that Vance’s visit will include stops at historical sites and cultural landmarks, as well as attendance at the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race. However, Egede expressed skepticism, stating that the sudden involvement of high-level U.S. officials suggests a broader strategic agenda.
“We are now at a level where it can in no way be characterized as a harmless visit from a politician’s wife,” Egede said, according to the Daily Mail. “The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us.”
His concerns are rooted in longstanding U.S. interest in Greenland, particularly under President Donald Trump, who has openly spoken about acquiring the island. Trump previously questioned Denmark’s authority over Greenland and has been vocal about his belief that the U.S. should claim it.
“A boat landed there 200 years ago or something. And they say they have rights to it,” Trump said.
“I don’t know if that’s true. I don’t think it is, actually.”
He added, “I think we’re going to get it. One way or the other, we’re going to get it.”
The U.S. has historically maintained a military presence in Greenland, but recent American moves, including Don Trump Jr.’s prior visit to the island, have escalated diplomatic tensions. The arrival of Waltz and Wright, who are expected to visit a U.S. military base on the island, has fueled speculation that Washington is intensifying its efforts to assert influence over Greenland.
Denmark, which maintains sovereignty over Greenland while allowing it self-governance, has also reacted to the upcoming visits.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a statement, saying, “The visit from the United States cannot be seen in isolation from the public statements that have been made. This is something we take seriously.”
A spokesperson for Waltz dismissed concerns, emphasizing that the delegation’s visit is meant to strengthen ties and learn more about Greenland’s culture.
“The United States has a vested security interest in the Arctic region, and it should not be a surprise the national security adviser and secretary of energy are visiting a U.S. space base,” National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes told the New York Times.
Despite official reassurances, tensions remain high. All five parties in Greenland’s parliament issued a rare joint statement condemning Trump’s comments and voicing their opposition to any U.S. takeover of Greenland. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of Greenland’s Democrats party, also criticized the timing of the visit, arguing that it could interfere with the island’s ongoing political discussions.
Meanwhile, Vance has sought to keep the focus on cultural exchange. In a video message, she stated, “I look forward to meeting many of you soon and to learning from you about your beautiful land, culture, and traditions.”
SLOTUS VISITING GREENLAND
🇬🇱 Hands up If USA should purchase Greenland. pic.twitter.com/fkduBBVOPB
— Usha Vance News (@UshaVanceNews) March 23, 2025
She and her son will attend the annual dogsled race, which the U.S. sponsors, featuring 37 mushers and 444 sled dogs.
The visit underscores the growing geopolitical importance of Greenland, as the U.S. seeks to expand its influence in the Arctic. While Washington insists that the trip is meant to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties, Greenlandic and Danish officials remain wary of America’s long-term intentions.
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Has it occured to the resident mental patient, she may just want to see the country?