Denmark condemns US pressure over Greenland annexation
- Greenlandic leaders criticize a visit from a US delegation following Trump's suggestions for annexation.
- Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen denounces the US pressure and the delegation's visit.
- The visit could complicate Greenland's political landscape and its relationship with the US.
On March 25, 2025, in Copenhagen, Greenlandic leaders expressed strong criticism regarding a planned visit by a US delegation amid President Donald Trump's repeated suggestions to annex the territory. The visit was led by Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance, and included high-ranking officials like National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Greenland's outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede labeled the delegation's presence a 'provocation,' expressing a shift in trust towards their American allies. He emphasized that the Greenlandic government wouldn't meet with this delegation, indicating a cooling of relations that had previously been cordial. The Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, historically cautious in her approach to Trump’s administration, pivoted to a more assertive stance. Notably, she described the pressure being exerted by the US as 'unacceptable,' and condemned the delegation's visit, insisting that Greenlanders deserved respect. This marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic tensions surrounding Greenland’s autonomy and its relationship with both the US and Denmark. Inside Greenland, the political landscape is shifting, particularly following the recent parliamentary election. Mute Egede's caretaker government refused to engage with the visiting American delegation, asserting their right to determine their affairs free from foreign grafting. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the Democratic leader, echoed similar sentiments and called for political unity. He warned against being drawn into a geopolitical 'power game' orchestrated by the US without the consent of the Greenlandic people. This situation highlights the growing unease among Greenlanders towards US interest in their territory, which has intensified as Trump continues to raise the issue of annexation. The delegation's visit, framed by many in Greenlandic society as a disrespectful attempt at coercion, could further complicate future diplomatic relations and impede ongoing discussions regarding Greenland's autonomy and possible paths toward independence from Denmark.