Denmark thinks they won.
Vice President JD Vance is taking a bold stand for American national security—and liberal critics across Europe aren’t happy about it.
This week, Vance shifted the focus of an official U.S. trip to Greenland, canceling cultural visits and instead heading straight to the strategic Pituffik Space Base—a critical American military installation in the Arctic.
Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, praised mocked scaled-back itinerary, saying he was “very pleased” the U.S. canceled its public engagements with Greenlandic society. His comments came after Greenland’s left-leaning leadership voiced strong opposition to what they claimed was an unwanted American visit.
A Trip Rewritten by Real-World Threats
Originally, Second Lady Usha Vance was scheduled to lead a U.S. delegation—including Energy Secretary Chris Wright and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz—on a goodwill tour of Greenland’s cultural sites.
But after Greenland’s caretaker government pushed back, Vice President Vance stepped in to refocus the trip on national defense. The Vances will now visit only the U.S.-controlled Pituffik Space Base, located on Greenland’s remote northwest coast.
“We’re just going to check out what’s going on with the security there,” said Vance. “Other countries are threatening this region—and threatening the U.S., Canada, and Greenland in the process.”
His comments reflect growing concern in Washington over Russia and China’s increased Arctic activity, particularly near U.S. military assets and vital shipping lanes.
Tensions Rise Over Greenland’s Future
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has long been seen as a potential strategic partner—or rival—in the Arctic.
Earlier this month, the country held national elections, and the center-right Demokraatit party won, campaigning on a platform of slow independence from Denmark and firm resistance to becoming an American satellite.
Party leader Jens-Friederik Nielsen told Sky News:
“We don’t want to be Americans.”
That message was echoed by Greenlandic activists who protested the visit. One handmade hat, embroidered with the phrase “Make America Go Away,” went viral online—despite America footing the bill for defense in the region.
Outgoing Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede issued a stern statement saying there would be “no meetings” with U.S. officials and warned that Greenland’s democracy must be respected without interference.
Trump and Vance: A Shared Vision for U.S. Strength
The trip follows comments by President Donald Trump, who recently told Congress that the United States needs to take a more assertive territorial interest in Greenland—citing its vast mineral wealth and strategic military value.
Vice President Vance echoed that sentiment, defending the shift in focus as a necessary act of leadership in an increasingly dangerous world.
Despite media backlash, many American voters—especially those concerned with border security, national defense, and U.S. sovereignty—see Vance’s move as a smart and patriotic course correction.
What Happens Next?
The Vances are now scheduled to arrive at Pituffik on March 27, where they will assess U.S. Space Force operations on the island. It remains unclear whether Secretary Wright and Advisor Waltz will join them as originally planned.
Meanwhile, Denmark’s foreign ministry has confirmed that most U.S. vehicles and personnel tied to the original visit are being pulled back.
Foreign Minister Rasmussen admitted the visit was now purely military in nature and stated:
“We have no problem with that. They’re visiting their own base.”
Bottom Line: America First, Even in the Arctic
In an age of escalating global threats, Vice President JD Vance’s decision to stand firm in Greenland sends a message: The United States will not be pushed around.
While Europe may prefer diplomacy without accountability, leaders like Vance and Trump understand that peace comes through strength—and the Arctic is no exception.