Vice President Vance in Greenland: Cold diplomacy on Trump solidarity course

Vice President Vance in Greenland: Cold diplomacy on Trump solidarity course

Pituffik, Grönland, Dänemark - On March 28, 2025, US Vice President J.D. Vance Greenland visits to inspect the important military base Pituffik. He was accompanied by his wife Usha and a US delegation, which also includes Trump's national security advisor Mike Waltz and Minister of Energy Chris Wright. When he arrived, Vance faced temperatures of minus 18 degrees. The military base plays a central role in global rocket defense and surveillance from space.

The official program of Vance included a briefing for the security situation in the Arctic and a meeting with US soldiers at the base. Greenland is of strategic importance for military control as well as raw materials and shipping routes. However, political tensions shaped his visit; Greenland politicians, including the incumbent head of government Múte B. Eggede, are dissatisfied with the ownership claims of President Donald Trump. The Greenland leadership made it clear that it rejected annexation or control by the USA.

political tensions and local reactions

Before Vance's visit, four of the five parliamentary parties in Nuuk signed a coalition agreement to withstand the pressure from the USA. During his stay, Vance made direct contact with the Greenland population and was mainly in the US basis. Originally planned public appearances and a longer stay were changed at the request of the delegation, possibly also due to expected political resistance and protests. Such protests that are already under the motto "Yankee, Go Home!" took place, were avoided by Vance and his wife.

The unrest regarding the US interests in Greenland has its roots in past statements in Trump, which already submitted a purchase offer for the island in 2019, which was rejected by Denmark. In December 2024, Trump repeatedly said that Greenland was of great importance for the international security of the United States. This attitude ensures concern both in Greenland and in Denmark. Trump Senior also emphasized that his interest in Greenland is not meant as a provocation, but expression of friendly intentions.

geopolitical interests and economic potential

The geopolitical context is crucial. Greenland already served as a strategic intermediate station for aircraft during the Second World War. Military bases, such as the Thule Air Base, are still important for the US defense strategy. The location of Greenland is Tyrol for the routes of intercontinental missiles. President Harry S. Truman made an offer in 1946 to pay more than $ 100 million in gold for Greenland, which was also rejected by Denmark, as reported by Tagesschau.de

climate change opens up new perspectives for Greenland, since rising temperatures do not open access to raw materials and trade routes. Experts emphasize that Greenland has large occurrence of rare earths and significant oil and gas reserves that are of great interest to the United States. These resources are crucial for modern technologies, and in addition to military control, economic considerations are also decisive. Denmark has already excluded a possible sale of Greenland, which would have to take place along legal and political hurdles. The outview.ch emphasizes that the USA together with Denmark and Greenland must find a balance between cooperation and geopolitical delimitation.