Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark on Friday for what he called an “underinvestment” in Greenland, saying there was “very strong evidence” that Russia and China want the island and access to its resources.
Vance’s remarks at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland come as President Donald Trump advocates for a United States takeover of the island.
The Context
Greenlandic leaders and residents have sharply protested the Trump administration’s overtures and statements calling for the U.S. to annex Greenland.
Shortly before Vance’s visit, local media reported that four of the five parties elected to Greenland’s parliament agreed to form a new government, banding together amid Trump’s threats.
What To Know
“Our message to Denmark is very simple,” Vance said during the visit. “You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland.”
“Denmark has not kept pace in devoting the resources necessary to keep this base, to keep our troops, and in my view to keep the people of Greenland safe from a lot of aggressive incursions from Russia, from China, and from other nations.”
Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and White House national security adviser Mike Waltz accompanied Vance on his trip.
“Why does Greenland matter so much?” Vance said. “We know that Russia and China and other nations are taking an extraordinary interest in Arctic passageways, Arctic naval routes, and in the minerals of the Arctic territories. We need to ensure America is leading in the Arctic.”
Vice President JD Vance (c) joined by Energy Secretary Chris Wright (L) and White House national security adviser Mike Waltz (R) speaks at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on March 28, 2025. Vice President JD Vance (c) joined by Energy Secretary Chris Wright (L) and White House national security adviser Mike Waltz (R) speaks at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on March 28, 2025. Associated Press
What People Are Saying
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Friday in Greenland: “We can’t just bury our head in the sand—or, in Greenland, bury our head in the snow—and pretend that the Chinese are not interested in this very large landmass. We know that they are.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen delivered a message to Greenland ahead of Vance’s trip, writing on social media: “The attention is overwhelming and the pressure is great. But it is in times like these that you show what you are made of. You have not been cowed. You have stood up for who you are—and you have shown what you stand for. That has my deepest respect.”
Update 3/28/25, 3:29 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
