Second Lady Usha Vance is set to visit Greenland, at a time when President Donald Trump has raised the idea of the United States taking control of the self-governing territory, which is an ally of Denmark and rich in minerals.
Vance is scheduled to depart on Thursday and return by Saturday, according to her office. She and one of her three children will join a U.S. delegation to explore historic sites and learn about Greenlandic culture.
Reports from Greenland and Denmark indicated that Vance would be accompanied by Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz. However, the White House and the National Security Council have yet to respond to requests for comment.
During his first term, President Trump had floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, the world’s largest island, despite Denmark, a NATO ally, firmly stating that it was not for sale. The people of Greenland also strongly opposed Trump’s proposal.
Vice President JD Vance stated on Sunday that President Trump “doesn’t care” about European reactions to U.S. interests in Greenland. Vance criticized Denmark for not fulfilling its responsibilities with Greenland, calling it “not a good ally.” He suggested that if it meant increasing U.S. territorial involvement in Greenland, then that’s what Trump would pursue. Vance made these comments on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.”
He emphasized that Trump prioritizes the interests of American citizens over European objections.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has reiterated his desire for the U.S. to control Greenland, citing national security as the main reason rather than a desire for expansion.
“I think we will have it,” Trump stated about Greenland shortly after beginning his second term on January 20. The U.S. already maintains a military base there, and Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, visited the site in January.
During her trip, Usha Vance will attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race, which features around 37 mushers and 444 dogs. According to a statement, Vance and the U.S. delegation are eager to witness the significant event and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity.
In a recent meeting in the Oval Office with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President Trump remarked that “Denmark is very far away” from Greenland and questioned whether Denmark still had the right to claim the world’s largest island as part of its kingdom.
President Trump commented that a boat landed in Greenland “200 years ago or something” and questioned whether Denmark still had legitimate rights to the island. “I don’t know if that’s true. I don’t think it is, actually,” he said.
In response to Trump’s remarks, all five political parties in Greenland’s parliament issued a joint statement last week rejecting his comments. Denmark has acknowledged Greenland’s right to pursue independence when it chooses.
In addition to his remarks on Greenland, Trump has also expressed other controversial views, including not ruling out military intervention in Panama to take control of the Panama Canal, suggesting that Canada should become the 51st state, and proposing that U.S. interests could take control of the war-torn Gaza Strip from Israel to redevelop it as a seaside resort resembling the “Riviera.”
