COPENHAGEN, Denmark – March 29, 2025 — Diplomatic friction has erupted between the United States and Denmark after Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen denounced the “tone” and rhetoric used by U.S. Vice President JD Vance during an unannounced visit to Greenland earlier this week. The trip, widely viewed as provocative, reignited controversy over U.S. interest in acquiring the resource-rich Arctic island.

Tensions Erupt Over U.S. Remarks in Greenland

Speaking at a press conference at the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland — a key U.S. military installation — Vice President Vance accused Denmark of “underinvesting” in the territory and failing its 57,000 predominantly Inuit residents.

“You have under-invested in the people of Greenland and you have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass,” Vance declared, asserting U.S. intentions to secure the territory for strategic purposes.

Denmark swiftly pushed back. “We are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it’s being delivered,” Rasmussen said via X (formerly Twitter). “This is not how you speak to your close allies.”

Denmark, Greenland, and EU Reject U.S. Pressure

The comments have sparked widespread condemnation from Danish and Greenlandic officials, as well as support from the European Union. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the U.S. approach “unacceptable pressure” and reaffirmed that Greenland was not for sale, under any terms.

“For many years, we have stood by the Americans in very difficult situations,” Frederiksen stated, citing Danish military support in Afghanistan and Iraq. “The Vice President’s reference to Denmark is not accurate.”

Greenland’s newly elected Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized the need for national unity, saying, “It is very important that we put aside our disagreements and differences … to cope with the heavy pressure we are exposed to from outside.”

Trump’s Arctic Ambitions Reignite Controversy

The incident marks a renewed chapter in former President Donald Trump’s longstanding interest in acquiring Greenland, which he continues to frame as essential to U.S. national and global security. Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump asserted, “We are not talking about peace for the United States. We are talking about world peace.”

While Vice President Vance stopped short of endorsing military force, he said the administration hopes to strike a “Donald Trump-style deal” with Greenland’s people. However, recent polls indicate that a majority of Greenlanders oppose any U.S. annexation.

Strategic Stakes and Arctic Tensions

Greenland is strategically critical due to its location between North America and Europe, and the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) plays a central role in U.S. missile defense and surveillance networks. The island also holds untapped mineral and energy resources, although mining of oil and uranium remains banned.

In January, Denmark announced plans to bolster its Arctic presence with a $2 billion investment in military assets, including new vessels and surveillance systems.

Despite political divisions within Greenland, all major parties support independence — but none favor joining the United States. The formation of a new four-party coalition government this week reflects Greenland’s resolve to maintain autonomy amid growing international pressure.