JD Vance will join wife on Greenland trip | BBC News

Key Concepts:

• US interest in Greenland
• Greenlandic and Danish opposition to US visits
• Trump's previous interest in buying Greenland
• Cultural and political implications of the visits
• Greenlandic sentiment towards US involvement
• Greenland's relationship with Denmark and NATO
• Potential for public protest

Political Condemnation of US Visits

Greenlandic politicians have condemned planned high-profile US visits following President Trump's previous suggestions of acquiring the island. Second Lady Usha Vance is scheduled for a cultural trip, and Mike Waltz, a former national security advisor to Donald Trump, is also expected to visit. Outgoing Greenlandic Prime Minister Muta Agedi stated to the newspaper Seratsak that the visits appear to be a "demonstration of power" by the US. Danish Prime Minister Meteor Frederickson criticized the US, calling the visits "unacceptable pressure" on Greenland and Denmark, rejecting the claim that they are private visits. She emphasized that official meetings are not possible because the acting Greenlandic government has clearly stated they do not want the visit due to the absence of a formal government.

Greenlandic Sentiment: Anger and Suspicion

Danish journalist Martin Su Sorenson reported that Greenlanders view the visits with "a mixture of anger and suspicion." While Americans are generally welcome as tourists or investors, these visits are perceived negatively because they lack an official invitation and occur against the backdrop of "sinister comments" from the White House about a potential takeover, including the use of military force or annexation.

Details of the Visits and Lack of Formal Invitation

The visits are reportedly organized by an organization running a dogsled race where Usha Vance will participate. However, there is no formal invitation from the Greenlandic government. Some individuals from Greenland may have contacted people around President Trump, but the program details are vague, with little information about who the visitors will meet or where they will go, aside from the dogsled race. Mike Waltz is expected to visit Pituffik Space Base, also known as Thule Air Base.

Potential for Public Protest

Greenlanders are reportedly "very worried" about the American view on the island. A silent protest is planned in Sisimiut, where the dogsled race will take place. Protesters intend to stand along the route and turn their backs to Usha Vance to signal their disapproval of American ambitions for Greenland.

Greenland's Independence and Relationship with the US

Recent polls indicate that almost 80% of Greenlanders support independence from Denmark, but even more oppose becoming part of the United States. Greenland lacks its own defense force, and Denmark's defense presence is small. However, Greenland's status as part of Denmark means it is also part of NATO, making the US a key ally for its protection. This situation adds to the "oddity" of the US appearing to be a potential threat rather than a defender.

Conclusion

The planned US visits to Greenland have sparked controversy and resentment due to the history of Trump's interest in acquiring the island. Greenlanders view the visits as a demonstration of power and an unwelcome intrusion, especially given the lack of a formal invitation and the context of previous annexation suggestions. The situation is further complicated by Greenland's relationship with Denmark and its reliance on the US as a NATO ally for defense. The potential for public protest reflects the deep-seated concerns about American intentions and the desire to maintain Greenland's autonomy.