Denmark hits back at JD Vance’s criticism of Greenland's support

Denmark has responded sharply to US Vice President JD Vance’s comments on Greenland, accusing Copenhagen of insufficient support for the Arctic territory.

Vance made his remarks on March 28 during a visit to the Pituffik space base in north-western Greenland, a statement that both Copenhagen and Nuuk viewed as provocative, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

At a press conference, Vance stated: “Our message to Denmark is very simple: you have not done a good job by the people of Greenland. You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass.”

The Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, reacted to Vance’s tone on social media, saying:

“We are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it’s being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies, and I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies.”

Former President Donald Trump has previously argued that the US requires Greenland for both national and international security, even suggesting the potential use of force to secure the territory. In a follow-up interview with NBC News, Vance reiterated this stance, saying: “I don’t take anything off the table.” He also remarked, “I don’t care” when asked about the potential implications for Russian President Vladimir Putin, currently engaged in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

On March 28, Vance went further, stating: “I think Greenland understands that the United States should own it. And if Denmark and the EU don’t understand it, we have to explain it to them. We need Greenland. Very importantly, for international security, we have to have Greenland.”

While he acknowledged the potential use of force, Vance emphasized that the US government believed military action would not be necessary, stating, “We think this makes sense, and because we think the people of Greenland are rational and good, we think we’re going to be able to cut a deal, Donald Trump-style, to ensure the security of this territory but also the United States of America.”

Greenland, once a Danish colony, is now a semi-autonomous territory within Denmark’s kingdom. Its foreign and security policies remain under Copenhagen’s control. Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, also countered Vance’s claims, highlighting Denmark's longstanding alliance with the United States. “For many years, we have stood by the Americans in very difficult situations,” she stated, referring to Danish deployments alongside US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. “The vice-president’s reference to Denmark is not accurate.”

Vance was accompanied by his wife, Usha, and a delegation that included the national security adviser Mike Waltz, energy secretary Chris Wright, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and former homeland security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.

The EU, along with Danish and Greenlandic officials, has firmly stated that the US will not gain control of Greenland. This week, Frederiksen accused the US of exerting "unacceptable pressure" on Denmark and Greenland, urging them to surrender the territory. “It is pressure that we will resist,” she said.

A majority of Greenlanders remain opposed to the idea of US annexation, with a January poll showing strong resistance. The Pituffik base, now central to the US missile defence system, plays a vital role in the shortest missile routes from Russia to the US. Formerly known as Thule Air Base, it served as a Cold War-era warning station for potential Soviet missile strikes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev