Danish, Greenlandic leaders slam planned US high-profile visit

NUUK, Greenland - Top Danish and Greenlandic political figures have denounced an upcoming visit by a high-profile US delegation to Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, calling it "provocative" and "disrespectful" of local sovereignty amid rows over the Trump administration's threat to seize the Arctic island.

The delegation, reportedly to be led by Usha Vance, wife of US Vice President JD Vance, will also include National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Tuesday the planned three-day visit, set to begin on Thursday, does not reflect Greenland's needs or wishes.

"It is clearly not a visit that concerns Greenland's needs or wishes. That's why I have to say it's an unacceptable pressure being placed on Greenland and Denmark -- and it's pressure we will stand up to," she told Danish broadcasters DR and TV2.

Frederiksen said the visit "cannot be interpreted as respectful", particularly given the current political vacuum in Greenland, the world's largest island with a population of around 60,000.

The visit comes amid political uncertainty in Greenland following the March 11 election. Greenland's caretaker Prime Minister Mute Egede wrote in a Facebook post that no official meetings with the US delegation would take place.

"The Americans have received clear instructions that meetings can only happen once a new Greenlandic government has taken office. Our integrity and democracy must be respected, without any interference from outside," Egede wrote.

The White House said the delegation would visit the US Pituffik Space Base, tour historical sites in Nuuk, and attend Greenland's national dog sled race in Sisimiut.

Frederiksen rejected US claims that the trip is a private one. "You cannot conduct a private visit with official representatives from another country -- especially when the acting Greenlandic government has made it clear that such a visit is not desired at this time," she said.

The visit has reignited concerns over US intentions in Greenland, following past remarks by US President Donald Trump about purchasing or controlling the island. Speaking to TV2 on Monday, Trump said the United States is "working with some people in Greenland who want something to happen," and called Greenland vital to US national security.

Trump also said on Jan. 7 that he would not rule out military or economic measures to acquire Greenland and threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark "at a very high level" if it resisted his offer to acquire the territory.

Frederiksen responded that Trump's comments should not be dismissed. "President Trump is serious. He wants Greenland. So this cannot be viewed in isolation from other developments," she said.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen also condemned the timing and nature of the visit. "These are not random tourists. It is a signal -- a charm offensive to draw Greenland toward the USA. There is no appetite for that in Greenland or in the Kingdom, and therefore it is not good timing," he told DR.

Jess Berthelsen, head of Greenland's largest trade union SIK, issued a sharp rebuke, questioning claims that the visit centers on cultural events like the dog sled race.

"We are told the US national security adviser and energy secretary are coming here to watch dog sled races. Be careful! How do such high-ranking people have time for that while there are crises in many parts of the world?" he said in a statement.

Martin Lidegaard, leader of Denmark's Social Liberals, called the visit "cross-border" and emphasized the need for unity between Greenland and Denmark.

Security has been stepped up in Nuuk and Sisimiut ahead of the delegation's arrival, with American and Danish security teams deployed. Greenlandic police confirmed that the US delegation brought a significant security presence, including bulletproof vehicles and two Hercules transport planes.

In Sisimiut, a group of citizens is planning a silent demonstration on Saturday to protest the visit.

"We'll turn our backs when they drive by. It's our way of showing we don't agree with their presence and manner," said local organizer Per Norgard. "We encourage as many people as possible to join us and show their opposition."

Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, when it became an integral part of Denmark. In 1979, Greenland achieved home rule, gaining greater self-governance while Denmark retained authority over its foreign and defense policy.