Greenland Slams US Second Lady Usha Vance's Upcoming Visit, Says Sole Purpose Is To 'Demonstrate Power'

Last Updated:March 24, 2025, 20:01 IST

Usha Vance is scheduled to visit Greenland from Thursday to Saturday (March 27 to 29) this week, accompanied by one of her three children

US Second lady Usha Vance. (AP file photo)

Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede on Monday slammed the upcoming visit by Usha Vance, the wife of US Vice President JD Vance, calling it a “demonstration of power" by the United States.

Egede accused Washington of meddling in Greenland’s political affairs, especially given the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s previous ambition to take control of the island.

Egede expressed his concerns about the visit, stating that the “only purpose of the visit was a demonstration of power" and warned that the “signal should not be misunderstood." He added that if allied countries did not speak out against the US’ actions regarding Greenland, the situation could escalate, and the American’s “aggression will increase".

“We need our other allies to clearly and distinctly come with their support and backing for us," Egede told Greenlandic daily Sermitiaq in an interview.

Usha Vance’s Planned Visit

The visit comes at a tense time for Greenland, which has long been a subject of interest for the United States due to its strategic position and mineral wealth. The island, which is a self-governing territory of Denmark, already hosts a US military base. The visit by Usha Vance, along with Security Adviser Mike Waltz, has further raised political anxieties in Greenland.

Usha Vance is scheduled to visit Greenland from Thursday to Saturday (March 27 to 29) this week, accompanied by one of her three children. During her stay, she will visit historical sites and learn about Greenlandic heritage, including attending the Avannaata Qimussersu, the national dogsled race.

According to her office, the visit aims to “celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity", with Vance and the US delegation looking forward to experiencing the iconic race, which involves 37 mushers and 444 dogs.

Trump’s Interests In Greenland

The visit comes against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland. During his first term, Trump had suggested buying the world’s largest island, a proposal that was firmly rejected by both Denmark and the people of Greenland.

Since returning to the White House, however, Trump has repeatedly stated that the US will eventually control Greenland, emphasising that his support for the idea is driven by strategic national security concerns, rather than American expansionism.

Trump’s interest in Greenland is rooted in its strategic location and vast untapped natural resources. Greenland sits in a crucial position between North America and Europe and controls vital air and sea routes in the North Atlantic. The island also hosts the Pituffik Space Base, which is important for missile warning and space surveillance operations.

Beyond its military importance, Greenland is rich in rare-earth minerals, essential for the production of mobile phones, renewable energy technologies, and other high-tech products.

Despite this interest, the people of Greenland have strongly opposed any US annexation, with many expressing a desire for independence from Denmark instead. In early January, Trump’s son, Donald Jr, had also made a brief visit to Greenland.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States of America (USA)

News world Greenland Slams US Second Lady Usha Vance's Upcoming Visit, Says Sole Purpose Is To 'Demonstrate Power'