JD Vance makes surprise Greenland visit announcement amid growing US interest — ‘Checking out security there’

US Vice President JD Vance announced on Tuesday (March 25) that he would travel to Greenland this week, joining his wife, Usha Vance, despite the backlash over the visit.

“I decided that I didn’t want her to have all that fun by herself, so I’m going to join her,” JD Vance said in a video message posted on X. “I’m going to visit some of our guardians in the Space Force on the northwest coast of Greenland, and also just check out what’s going on with the security there of Greenland.”

White House announces cancellation of Dogsled Race visit

The White House cancelled Usha Vance’s scheduled appearance at the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race, The Guardian reported. Instead, the Vances will now visit the US-controlled Pituffik Space Base, where they will receive a briefing on Arctic security and meet with American service members.

“The visit will take place in lieu of the Second Lady’s previously announced visit to the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race,” the White House said in a statement.

Vance criticises Denmark’s role in Greenland

Vance also took aim at Denmark, which controls Greenland, accusing it of failing as an ally.

“Denmark, which controls Greenland, is not doing its job and is not being a good ally. So you have to ask yourself, ‘How are we going to solve that problem, solve our national security,” Vance said in an interview with Fox News.

Trump Administration's interest in Greenland

Echoing past remarks by President Donald Trump, Vance suggested that the US should take a greater territorial interest in Greenland.

“If that means that we need to take more territorial interest in Greenland, that is what President Trump is going to do, because he doesn’t care about what the Europeans scream at us, he cares about putting the interests of America’s citizens first,” Vance stated.

The Vice President’s remarks have further fueled tensions with Greenland and Denmark, with officials in both countries expected to respond to the latest developments.

Greenland PM calls US officials' visit ‘aggressive’ amid annexation concerns

Greenland Prime Minister Mute B. Egede criticised the planned visit by US officials, including Usha Vance, calling it “aggressive” amid tensions over President Donald Trump’s pledge to annex the territory.

US officials set to visit Greenland

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz may also visit, prompting further objections from Egede. “The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us,” he said.

Greenland’s leaders object to US moves

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, expected to become Greenland’s next leader, condemned the visit as “a lack of respect,” especially amid ongoing negotiations.

Greenland’s strategic importance

Greenland holds vast reserves of rare earth minerals, oil, and gas, making it economically and militarily significant. The Trump administration is keen to counter China and Russia’s influence in the Arctic, fueling concerns over US territorial ambitions.