Trump Defends US Delegation’s Visit to Greenland Amid Denmark’s Criticism
US President Donald Trump has pushed back against Denmark’s criticism of an upcoming US delegation visit to Greenland, insisting that the trip is a gesture of goodwill rather than an act of provocation.
During a cabinet meeting, Trump addressed concerns raised by Greenland’s Prime Minister and Denmark’s Foreign Minister regarding the visit, which is set to be led by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance.
"This is friendliness, not provocation," Trump told reporters, emphasizing that the visit was arranged at Greenland’s invitation.
Trump highlighted the region’s growing independence movement, noting that while support for breaking away from Denmark is limited, Greenland’s leadership has shown interest in closer ties with the US.
"We’ve been invited, and they really like the idea because they have been somewhat abandoned,"* Trump said. "I think Greenland could be an important part of our future, especially from an international security perspective."
The president has refused to rule out potential US efforts to acquire Greenland, citing strategic concerns over Russia and China’s increasing influence on the resource-rich island. Melting ice has also opened new shipping routes, making Greenland more geopolitically significant.
Following recent elections, Greenland is in the process of forming a new government, with the center-right Democrats—led by Jens-Frederik Nielsen—opposing Trump’s ambitions. Nielsen has labeled the US interest in Greenland as "inappropriate."
Meanwhile, the White House released a statement confirming that Usha Vance’s visit aims to promote cultural exchange, including attending a traditional dog-sledding race.
As tensions rise between Denmark and the US over Greenland’s future, Trump remains firm in his stance, signaling that America’s interest in the Arctic region is far from over.
