Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has voiced concerns over what he perceives as U.S. interference in the territory’s political landscape. He is particularly troubled by the recent visit from a U.S. delegation to this coveted land, which has previously caught the attention of former President Donald Trump.
This week, U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, along with Usha Vance—the wife of U.S. Vice President JD Vance—are set to head to Greenland. Reports indicate that Mrs. Vance is slated to enjoy a dogsled race with her son during their visit.
Adding to the delegation’s prominence, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a former mining executive, is also part of the group. As Mr. Egede articulated in an interview with the Greenlandic daily, Sermitiaq, the visit appears to be “a demonstration of power,” insisting that the message should be “clearly understood.”
Since his return to political prominence in January, Trump has made his intentions clear: he wishes for the U.S. to take control of Greenland, citing national security reasons. Alarmingly, he has not ruled out the possibility of using force to achieve this goal.
Both Greenland and Denmark have firmly rejected Trump’s ambitions, emphasizing that the future of Greenland should be determined solely by its people. Egede reiterated this sentiment, stating that Washington had been cautioned against any discussions until a new Greenlandic government was established to handle such affairs. Following the elections on March 11, he currently leads a caretaker government.
In a Facebook post, Mr. Egede stated emphatically, “Our integrity and democracy must be respected without foreign interference.” He asserted that the U.S. delegation’s visit “cannot be seen as merely a private visit.” He expressed concern, noting, “Waltz is Trump’s confidant and closest advisor, and his presence in Greenland will undoubtedly lead to heightened pressure following their visit.”
The leader of the centre-right Democrats, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who is poised to become Greenland’s next prime minister, has previously denounced Trump’s aspirations for Greenland as “inappropriate.” Mr. Egede also called upon Greenland’s Western allies to “speak up and clearly support and back up Greenland” during this time of increased tension.
Ulrik Pram Gad from the Danish Institute for International Studies described the visit as an “aggressive move” by Washington, pointing out that, “They haven’t been invited by Greenlanders; they haven’t been invited by the Danes. They just announced that they will go,” he relayed to AFP.
Currently, Greenlandic political parties are engaged in negotiations to form a new coalition government following the recent elections. “Typically, as a friend or ally, one would refrain from interfering during this transitional period,” Gad remarked, suggesting that the visit aimed to signal that Denmark lacks control over Greenland.
In response to the delegation’s plans, Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, labeled the upcoming visit as “inappropriate.” He expressed his concerns about the U.S. delegation arriving in the context of recent elections, noting, “there is no Greenlandic government” to engage with.
As the U.S. delegation arrives without official hosts, Gad highlighted that they are likely trying to underscore the notion of a lack of governance in Greenland, suggesting a perceived need for U.S. intervention. He remarked that the choice to send Usha Vance appears to be a “sham” charm offensive, as she may profess appreciation for Greenlandic culture while military personnel accompany the delegation during a time of political instability in Greenland.
The inclusion of Chris Wright further complicates matters, sending a signal about U.S. interests in Greenland’s abundant untapped mineral and oil resources—assets viewed as vital for global green transitions but currently hampered by existing mining regulations and environmental considerations.
Situated strategically in the Arctic between North America and Europe, Greenland has captured the interest of not only the U.S. but also China and Russia, particularly as climate change alters traditional shipping routes previously shielded by ice.
Notably, public sentiment in Greenland reveals that while a majority of the island’s 57,000 residents support independence from Denmark, there is little appetite for annexation by the United States. This tension is echoed in the memory of Donald Trump Jr.’s brief visit to Greenland last January, underscoring the ongoing complexity of U.S.-Greenland relations.
“We are not an object for anyone to covet,” Mr. Egede passionately emphasizes, “We are a nation with our own identity.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
