US could better protect Greenland than Denmark, US VP declares on Arctic visit

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has accused Denmark of failing to adequately safeguard Greenland, suggesting that the United States could better protect the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

His remarks, made during a visit to the U.S. military base at Pituffik in northern Greenland on March 28, drew sharp criticism from Danish and Greenlandic officials, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

Vance claimed that Denmark has not kept pace with the security needs of the Arctic region, citing alleged incursions by Russia and China—though he provided no specifics. “Denmark has not devoted the necessary resources to keep this base, our troops, and the people of Greenland safe,” he stated. However, he assured that the U.S. has no immediate plans to expand its military footprint but will invest in additional naval ships and resources.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed Vance’s claims as unfair, highlighting Denmark’s longstanding alliance with the U.S. “For many years, we have stood side by side with the Americans under very difficult circumstances. The vice president’s description of Denmark is not a fair one,” she said.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen acknowledged that more could be done but pushed back against the U.S. critique. He noted that while the U.S. maintains a base with 200 soldiers in Greenland today, during the Cold War, it had 17 military installations with 10,000 troops.

Growing U.S. Interest in Greenland

Vance’s visit comes amid heightened U.S. interest in Greenland, a strategically vital Arctic territory rich in mineral and energy resources. Former President Donald Trump has long expressed interest in acquiring the island, stating on Friday that Greenland is crucial for international security. “We need Greenland, very importantly, for international security. We have to have Greenland,” Trump declared.

Greenland's new Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen expressed unease over the U.S. visit, calling it a “lack of respect.” He urged political unity as his government seeks to balance relations with both Denmark and the U.S. His pro-business party, the Democrats, which advocates for gradual independence from Denmark, won the most seats in Greenland’s March election.

Despite Vance’s assurances that the U.S. respects Greenland’s sovereignty, his comments fueled speculation about potential American pressure on the territory. “I think they ultimately will partner with the United States,” Vance said, adding that closer ties could bring security and economic benefits.

Public Backlash in Greenland

Vance’s visit was met with protests in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. Demonstrators held signs reading “Yankees Go Home” and “Our Land. Our Future.” Residents also planted Greenlandic flags in the snow in defiance of perceived U.S. interference.

Polls indicate that nearly all Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States. Andreas Oesthagen, a researcher at the Oslo-based Fridtjof Nansen Institute, suggested that while military intervention remains unlikely, the U.S. may apply diplomatic and economic pressure to increase its influence in Greenland. “It is unfortunately likely that President Trump and Vice President Vance will continue to use other means of pressure, such as ambiguous statements, semi-official visits, and economic instruments,” Oesthagen said.

Under a 1951 agreement, the U.S. has unrestricted access to its base at Pituffik, which plays a critical role in America’s ballistic missile warning system. However, the broader question of Washington’s ambitions in Greenland remains contentious, with both Danish and Greenlandic officials wary of increased U.S. involvement in the region.

By Khagan Isayev