US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Second Lady Usha Vance’s scheduled trip to Greenland is intended to be friendly rather than provocative.
“This represents both friendliness and provocation. We’re handling many individuals from Greenland who wish to witness actions ensuring they receive adequate protection and proper care,” Trump stated at a Cabinet meeting.
The Second Lady, Usha Vance, plans to visit Greenland later this week as President Trump keeps suggesting that the United States might claim authority over the mineral-abundant Arctic territory.
Her office mentions that Vance plans to depart on Thursday and come back on Saturday.
The spouse of Vice President JD Vance will join a U.S. delegation scheduled to “tour historic locations, explore Greenlandic culture, and participate in the Avannaata Qimussersu, which is Greenland’s national dog sled race.”
Trump’s more amiable approach on Monday follows comments from Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede, who cautioned against “American aggression” and expressed frustration over the “mess” created by Vance’s impending visit. Accompanying Vance will be Trump’s national security advisor and energy secretary.
Trump stated he was getting favorable signals from the island nation, despite officials there having voiced reservations prior to his visit.
Concerns are growing on the island.
Egede, who continues to hold the position of Greenland’s prime minister until a new administration is established, admitted on Facebook Sunday that concerns prevail on the island.
The visit of ‘the spouse of the U.S. vice president and the top national security advisor to the U.S. president’ should not be viewed merely as a personal trip,” he stated. “We can already observe just how significant this upheaval has become.
Egede mentioned that there won’t be any formal gatherings with the American delegates since a new administration hasn’t been established yet.
He appealed to Greenland’s allies for their backing, stating that “the sole aim” of Waltz’s visit is “to demonstrate strength towards us, and this message should not be misinterpreted.”
“I have been subjected to unacceptable treatment,” he posted on his Facebook page.
Greenland’s likely next leader calls for unity
Nonetheless, Jens-Frederick Nielsen from Demokraatit, who is expected to become the upcoming leader of Greenland, tried to ease concerns by stating that he was establishing a fresh coalition government with the explicit aim of providing stability and assurance for our nation and its inhabitants.
“When foreign dignitaries travel to our country on what are called private visits, it rightly causes concern,” he wrote on Facebook. “There is no reason to panic. But there is good reason to stand together and to demand respect. I do. And I will continue to do so.”
Greenland is a self-ruling territory belonging to Denmark, and the northwest part of Greenland hosts the US Pituffik military base, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Pentagon’s Space Force.
However, Trump has consistently maintained that he believes the U.S. ought to acquire Greenland due to its strategic and national security benefits, an idea that has unsettled both Denmark—a NATO ally—and the European Union bloc.
