CNN
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The Greenlandian Prime Minister said that planned visits to the island by US officials, including second wife Usha Vance, have been “very aggressive” after President Donald Trump vowed to annexate his autonomous Danish territory, and that relations with the new lows are surged.
According to a White House statement, Vance, the wife of US Vice President JD Vance, will travel to Greenland this week to see the island’s national dog breed and “celebrating Greenland’s culture and unity.” National security adviser Mike Waltz is also scheduled to visit the territory this week, according to sources familiar with the trip.
Greenland Prime Minister Mute B. Egede called the US delegation’s trip to the island “very aggressive” in an interview with Greenland’s newspaper Sermiz Island on Sunday, raising special opposition to Waltz’s visit.
“What is the national security advisor doing in Greenland? Our only purpose is to show us strength,” Eged said. “His mere presence in Greenland will undoubtedly burn American belief in Trump’s mission, and the pressure will rise.”
Trump’s idea for Greenland casts an international spotlight on territory that holds a huge number of rare earth minerals important for the tech industry, raising questions about the island’s future security as the US, Russia and China seek influence in the Arctic. Despite Denmark and Greenland’s firm rejection of the idea, Trump has repeatedly expressed his interest in taking the island by force or economic coercion.
Trump offers deals to Greenland in his address
“I think we’re going to get it in some way,” Trump said in a remarks to a joint Congressional session earlier this month.
Egede, who promoted Greenland’s independence from Denmark, said that the Greenlanders’ diplomatic efforts “bombed his administration in Donald Trump and Greenland’s ownership and control mission.”
Egede’s ruling leftist party, Iainuit Ataqatigiit, was defeated in parliamentary elections earlier this month, but he remains prime minister until a new governing coalition is formed.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who is likely to become Greenland’s next leader after his party wins the election, said the timing of the US visit indicates a “lack of respect.”
“The fact that Americans are very aware that we are still in negotiations and that local government elections have not yet been concluded, they are taking advantage of the moment they still come to Greenland to once again show a lack of respect for Greenland’s population,” Nielsen told Sermitsiaq.
The White House presented Vance’s visit as cultural, saying the second woman would “visit historic locations with her son, learn about Greenland’s heritage and travel to Greenland to participate in the Avannata Qimussu, a Greenland national dog race.”
“Mr. Vance and the delegation are thrilled to witness this monumental race and celebrate Greenland’s culture and unity,” a White House statement said.
It is unclear whether the US has never sent a delegation to a dog breed race, but there are far fewer groups featuring the second lady.
Denmark ruled Greenland as a colony until 1953, when the island achieved greater power of autonomy. In 2009, it gained more powers related to minerals, police and courts, but Denmark still manages security, defense, foreign and monetary policy. Greenland also benefits from membership in Denmark’s European Union and NATO.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredericksen said in a written comment to Reuters that the visit of the US delegation was “to take it seriously.” She said Denmark wants to work with the United States, but it should be based on “the basic rules of sovereignty.”
While Greenlandic politicians have repeatedly signaled their opposition to annexation, they have embraced dealings with the US for rare earth mining, expansion of tourism, stronger diplomatic ties and other investments.
A January poll commissioned by Danish and Greenland newspapers found that 85% of the Greenlanders don’t want to be part of the United States.
The president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., visited Greenland in January to make headlines.
“Greenland is an incredible place and people become part of our country. If it becomes part of our country, we will protect it and cherish it from the very vicious outside world. Trump Jr. posted on social media at the time.
