Greenland PM condemns US ‘aggressive pressure’
By Jennifer Hicks
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute B. Egede has strongly denounced an upcoming visit by senior American officials and the Second Lady, Usha Vance, calling it part of the United States’ “very aggressive pressure” to exert control over the Arctic territory.
Egede’s remarks highlight growing tensions between Greenland, Denmark, and the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has expressed a renewed interest in acquiring influence over the autonomous Danish island.
The visit, scheduled for March 27, will include National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and the Second Lady.
According to official statements, the delegation will explore Greenland’s historical sites and observe the renowned dog race, a significant cultural event for the island’s inhabitants.
However, members of the Trump administration will also undertake their own itinerary, including a tour of the Pentagon’s Pituffik Space Base, raising concerns about Washington’s broader strategic objectives.
Egede, speaking to Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq on March 23, lambasted Western nations for failing to sufficiently oppose US ambitions in Greenland. “Our allies in the international community feel like hiding in a small corner and almost whisper their support, which has no effect,” he remarked.
His comments reflect broader concerns that Greenland’s sovereignty is being undermined by Washington’s growing assertiveness.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed Egede’s concerns, viewing the visit through the lens of the Trump administration’s previous claims on Greenland.
Frederiksen reaffirmed that Denmark’s cooperation with the US remains conditional on “the fundamental rules of sovereignty.” Her comments come as Washington continues to question the control of key allies over strategic territories, including Canada, Panama, and Denmark itself.
This is not the first time the US has made moves toward acquiring Greenland. Trump infamously proposed purchasing the island in 2019, a suggestion that was met with sharp resistance from Copenhagen and Nuuk alike.
The latest remarks from the US administration suggest that despite initial backlash, Washington has not abandoned its ambitions in the Arctic.
Greenland’s significance extends beyond its vast natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and gas. Its location makes it a key geostrategic asset in the Arctic, particularly as melting ice opens new shipping routes and potential military positioning.
The US already maintains a presence on the island through the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), an essential component of its missile defense system and Arctic military operations.
Trump officials have increasingly linked their interest in Greenland to national security concerns. Vice President J.D. Vance suggested in February that Denmark is “not doing its job” in managing Greenland and accused Copenhagen of failing to act as a reliable ally to Washington.
“If American interests require taking more territorial interest in Greenland, that is what President Trump is going to do, because he doesn’t care about what the Europeans scream at us,” Vance stated, signaling an aggressive shift in US policy toward the region.
Greenlandic leaders across the political spectrum have expressed frustration over the timing of the visit, which coincides with ongoing coalition talks following recent parliamentary elections.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the Democratic party, condemned the move as disrespectful, suggesting it demonstrates Washington’s disregard for Greenland’s political processes and autonomy.
For many Greenlanders, the specter of increasing American influence is a reminder of past colonial struggles. While Greenland remains an autonomous region under Danish sovereignty, the US has long exerted pressure on the island, from Cold War-era military expansions to present-day economic and strategic maneuvers.
Concerns persist that Washington’s renewed push could undermine Greenland’s ongoing efforts toward full independence.
While European nations, particularly Denmark, have pushed back against US ambitions, Egede’s remarks suggest that Western opposition remains timid.
The European Union has historically supported Greenland’s autonomy, yet has stopped short of directly challenging Washington’s maneuvers in the Arctic.
Given the growing strategic rivalry between the US, Russia, and China over Arctic resources and shipping routes, many European leaders are wary of directly confronting American interests in the region.
The Biden administration’s policy toward Greenland was markedly different, emphasizing cooperation and investment rather than direct territorial claims.
However, Trump’s return to power has reignited speculation that Washington may take a more assertive stance in pursuing control over the Arctic territory.
As the March 27 visit approaches, tensions are likely to escalate further. Greenlandic and Danish officials are expected to reaffirm their sovereignty over the island, but it remains unclear how much leverage they have against Washington’s growing ambitions.
If the US continues to assert its strategic interest in Greenland, it could trigger diplomatic confrontations with Denmark and European allies, as well as fuel local resistance within Greenland itself.
The Trump administration’s approach suggests that Greenland could become a new flashpoint in the broader struggle for Arctic dominance.
With military, economic, and geopolitical stakes higher than ever, the question remains: How far is Washington willing to go in its pursuit of Greenland, and how much resistance will it face from its supposed allies?
