US Vice President Criticizes Denmark's Greenland Policy

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has criticized Denmark for what he called chronic underinvestment in Greenland’s security and infrastructure, signaling a potential escalation in tensions over the future of the semi-autonomous Danish territory. His remarks come as President Donald Trump renews discussions about acquiring the strategically vital Arctic island.

Vance delivered the pointed rebuke during a visit to U.S. troops stationed at Pituffik Space Base, a key military outpost in Greenland’s resource-rich and geopolitically significant north.

"Denmark Has Failed Greenland," Vance Says

"Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland," Vance stated. "You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change."

The vice president argued that the U.S. has "no option" but to take a stronger role in ensuring Greenland’s security, even suggesting the territory should seek independence from Denmark.

"I think they ultimately will partner with the United States," Vance said. "We could make them much more secure, provide greater protection, and help them thrive economically as well."

He added, "The people of Greenland deserve self-determination. We hope they choose to partner with the U.S., because we’re the only nation that will respect their sovereignty and security—which is deeply tied to our own."

The comments underscore Washington’s growing focus on the Arctic as a zone of strategic competition, particularly as climate change opens new shipping routes and resource opportunities in the region.