Vance, wife redirect visit to US military base in Greenland after diplomatic spat

NUUK, Greenland - U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife on Friday were scheduled to visit an American military base in Greenland, but the trip has been considerably scaled back after protests. 

An uproar among people in Greenland and Denmark, upset that the original itinerary was planned without previous consultation, resulted in the original three-day trip being shortened to a day. 

Here’s what to know about the Vances’ visit:

JD Vance, wife visit Greenland

What we know:

The couple is visiting the U.S. Space Force outpost at Pituffik, located on the northwest coast of Greenland, for just one day. Initially, second lady Usha Vance had announced a solo trip to the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut. Her husband then subsequently said he would join her on that trip, only to change that itinerary again — after protests from Greenland and Denmark — to a one-day visit by the couple to the military post only.

What they're saying:

Vance said that Denmark has "underinvested" in Greenland’s security and demanded that Denmark change its approach as President Donald Trump continues to talk of taking over the Danish territory.

The pointed remarks came as Vance visited U.S. troops on Pituffik Space Base on the mineral-rich, strategically critical island.

"Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland," Vance said. "You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change."

Vance said the U.S. has "no option" but to take a significant position to ensure the security of Greenland as he encouraged a push in Greenland for independence from Denmark.

The backstory:

The Vances’ scaled-back trip to the semi-autonomous Danish territory comes as relations between the U.S. and the Nordic country have soured after U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested that the United States should in some form control the mineral-rich territory of Denmark — a traditional U.S. ally and NATO member.

The visit to the U.S. Space Force outpost at Pituffik removed the risk of potentially violating diplomatic custom by sending a delegation to another country without an official invitation. It will also reduce the likelihood that Vance and his wife will cross paths with residents angered by Trump’s annexation announcements.

During his first term, Trump floated the idea of purchasing the world’s largest island, even as Denmark insisted it wasn’t for sale.

Dig deeper:

Ahead of the visit, four of the five parties elected to Greenland's parliament earlier this month agreed to form a new, broad-based coalition government, banding together in the face of Trump's designs on the territory.

What they're saying:

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday said that the visit created "unacceptable pressure." On Thursday, she was cited by Danish public broadcaster DR as saying: "We really want to work with the Americans on defense and security in the kingdom. But Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders."

For his part, Trump in an interview on Wednesday repeated his desire for U.S. control of Greenland. When asked if the people there were "eager" to become U.S. citizens, Trump said he didn’t know "but I think we have to do it, and we have to convince them."

Local perspective:

Inhabitants of Greenland's capital, Nuuk — which is about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) south of Pituffik — voiced concern about Vance's visit and the U.S. interest in their island.

Cora Høy, 22, said Vance was "welcome if he wants to see it but of course Greenland is not for sale." She added that "it’s not normal around here" with all the attention Greenland is getting. "I feel now every day is about (Trump) and I just want to get away from it."

"It’s all a bit crazy. Of course the population here is a bit shook up," said 30-year-old Inuk Kristensen. "My opinion is the same as everyone’s: Of course you don’t do things this way. You don’t just come here and say that you want to buy the place."

Big picture view:

Greenland is a nautical gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic, and it has broader strategic value as both China and Russia seek access to its waterways and natural resources. Trump has repeated his belief that Greenland is of vital national security interest to the U.S., and how the land is rich in valuable rare earth minerals, such as uranium, as well as billions of untapped barrels of oil and a vast supply of natural gas. 

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