Danish Defence Minister Poulsen characterized the decision to limit the visit to a single US military base, instead of the initially intended wider tour—which faced criticism for being overly aggressive in light of Washington’s interests in the self-governing Danish territory—as a “prudent” decision, as reported.
The US delegation’s reduced Arctic agenda has been met with cautious optimism by officials in Denmark and Greenland.
As reported by Politico, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen characterized the decision to limit the visit to a US military base, instead of the previously planned extensive tour—which had been criticized as overly assertive given Washington’s interests in the self-governing Danish territory—as a “wise” choice.
“I believe it is a much more prudent decision to visit the military facility rather than to engage in Greenlandic political matters, especially at a time when no government has been established,” Lund Poulsen was quoted as saying by Politico on Wednesday.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen referred to the adjustment as “a positive development,” suggesting that the Americans “have acknowledged the pushback against US initiatives in Greenland.”
“I feel relieved,” stated Greenlandic MP Aqqalu Clasen Jerimiassen, according to Politico.
“I have no objections to them visiting their own military base in Pituffik. The cancellation of the tour to Sisimiut is a correct decision. However, this also highlights the unpredictability of the Trump administration,” Jerimiassen added.
US President Donald Trump has shown a keen interest in acquiring Greenland, calling it an “absolute necessity” for national security and hinting at the potential for military or economic pressure.
Vice President JD Vance intends to join his wife, US Second Lady Usha Vance, on a modified trip to Greenland, accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Danish and Greenlandic politicians sharply criticized the White House following the initial announcement.
“We have reached a point where this cannot be seen as a harmless visit in any way,” remarked Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister Múte B. Egede after the visit was disclosed.
“What is the national security adviser doing in Greenland? The sole purpose is to assert dominance over us, and the message is unmistakable,”
No US officials were invited to the island, contradicting Trump’s assertions.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized the Trump administration for applying “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland.
The delegation had originally planned to participate in a cultural event that included the national dogsled race; however, Vance’s office announced on Tuesday that they would instead be visiting the US Space Force base in Pituffik.
“In many respects, it’s a clever maneuver to create the impression of escalation when, in fact, they are de-escalating,” Rasmussen was quoted as saying to Danish radio by Politico on Wednesday.
“I believe it is prudent that they are now honoring the wishes expressed by the Greenlandic side,” Lund Poulsen stated. “It is always wise to visit your troops.”
With contributions from various agencies.
