U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, which is showing aspirations for a merger with Donald Trump, and Denmark expressed its displeasure but stated its willingness to cooperate with the United States regarding Arctic security.
According to the Associated Press, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen noted in a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on the 29th (local time), after J.D. Vance's visit to Greenland, that "many criticisms and claims have been raised regarding Vice President Vance’s speech, and we are open to criticism," but added, "To be honest, the tone is not pleasant. This is not the way to speak to a close ally. I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies."
On the 28th, J.D. Vance visited the U.S. military base at Thule Air Base in Greenland with a U.S. delegation, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. During this visit, J.D. Vance criticized Denmark for not making sufficient "investments" in Greenland's security, stating that "Denmark has not done its part." He continued, "This must change, and because it has not changed, Trump’s Greenland policy is what it is today." He added, "The only option is for the United States to take a significant stance to ensure Greenland’s security while pursuing independence from Denmark, and I believe they (the Greenlandic people) will work with the United States, as we can make them much safer."
In response, Minister Rasmussen stated, "We respect that, as Vice President Vance mentioned, the U.S. needs to strengthen military presence in Greenland, and Denmark and Greenland are willing to discuss this with an open mind." Minister Rasmussen specifically mentioned the "Greenland Defense Agreement" signed with the U.S. in 1951. The U.S. military has been stationed in Greenland since 1945, with thousands of soldiers stationed at 17 bases and facilities. Currently, only Thule Air Base remains, with about 200 U.S. troops stationed there.
Minister Rasmussen stated that the 1951 agreement "provides an opportunity for the U.S. to strengthen its military presence in Greenland," adding, "If expanding military presence is what you want, let’s discuss it." He further criticized that "Vice President Vance said Denmark has not done its job properly, yet he stated a few days ago that the U.S. has also not played a sufficient role in the past."
Minister Rasmussen pointed out, "The fact is that both we (Denmark and the United States) have enjoyed 'peace dividends.' We have all acted under the assumption that the Arctic should remain a low-tension area in the past and in the future, but that era has ended."
Meanwhile, the United States began a substantial military presence in Greenland in 1941 after Germany occupied Denmark during World War II, fearing that Greenland, then a Danish colony, would be utilized as a military base by Nazi Germany. After World War II, as the Cold War between the U.S. and Soviet Union intensified and Denmark joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949, the military significance of the Arctic region was again highlighted. Consequently, the U.S. formally signed the "Greenland Defense Agreement" with Denmark in 1951, granting the right to operate military bases in Greenland. Starting in 1953, Greenland transitioned from colonial rule to being integrated as part of Denmark, becoming part of NATO territory.