Ahead of US delegation visit, Danish PM calls pressure on Greenland 'unacceptable'

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that the United States is exerting "unacceptable pressure" on Greenland. This comes ahead of an unsolicited visit by a high-profile US delegation to the semi-autonomous Danish territory this week.

The US delegation, led by Usha Vance, will visit Greenland from Thursday to Saturday. The group includes White House Security Adviser Mike Waltz and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump reiterated his proposal that the US should acquire Greenland. His claims have been dismissed by Frederiksen, who said it is ultimately up to the people of Greenland to determine their own destiny.

Frederiksen said in an interview with Danish broadcasters DR and TV2, "I have to say that it is unacceptable pressure being placed on Greenland and Denmark in this situation. And it is pressure that we will resist."

Rising tension in Greenland

Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede called it a "provocation." It is particularly delicate as it falls during crucial government coalition negotiations and municipal elections in Greenland next week.

After a trip by Donald Trump Jr. to Greenland in January, US debate over possibly annexing the island has persisted. However, polls indicated that almost all Greenlanders reject the notion. Anti-American protests erupted across Greenland earlier this month.

On Monday, Trump stated that his administration engaged with "people in Greenland" who are seeking something to take place.

Mixed reactions on Usha Vance's visit

Even with the heightened tensions, not all in Greenland view the visit negatively. A member of parliament in Greenland, Kuno Fencker, welcomed the US delegation. According to him, "It’s an honour and a strong signal of respect."

He also added that he hadn’t been in contact with the U.S. administration about the visit.

At the same time, a White House Security Council official clarified that the mission was merely to "learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people."