Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte B. Egede, has called on the international community to respond after the U.S. announced plans to send a high-level delegation—including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Second Lady Usha Vance—to the Arctic island. Egede condemned the visits as "foreign interference" by Washington.
The delegation, which will also include U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, is expected to arrive in Greenland this week. Egede, whose party lost its parliamentary majority in recent elections but remains in office pending coalition negotiations, made the remarks in an interview with Sermitsiaq, Greenland’s leading newspaper.
Cultural Visit or Political Signal?
The White House described Usha Vance’s trip as a cultural exchange, stating she will travel with one of her children to observe Greenland’s national dogsled race, the Avannaata Qimussersu, and explore historical sites. The visit aims to "celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity," according to an official statement.
However, Egede dismissed the explanation, arguing that the presence of Waltz—who will reportedly visit a U.S. military base in northern Greenland—sends an unmistakable message. "This can in no way be characterized as a harmless visit," he said. "What is the security adviser doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to demonstrate power, and the signal is not to be misunderstood."
Tensions between Greenland and the U.S. have escalated since President Donald Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory, stating last year that he would secure it "one way or another"—a remark he has refused to retract. Recent polls indicate 85% of Greenlanders oppose the idea.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Greenland’s likely next leader and currently in coalition talks, also criticized the timing of the U.S. delegation’s visit. "The Americans know we are in a transitional phase, yet they choose this moment to come again," he said. "It shows a lack of respect for the Greenlandic people."
The trip follows a January visit by Donald Trump Jr., who claimed Greenland would "benefit tremendously" from becoming part of the U.S. Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance has accused Denmark—which handles Greenland’s foreign and defense policies—of being "not a good ally" to Washington.
The White House has not commented on Egede’s allegations but maintains that Vance’s visit is purely diplomatic and cultural.