On Friday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance charged that Denmark had failed to adequately safeguard Greenland during his visit to the strategically important and mineral-abundant Danish region sought after by U.S. President Donald Trump.

During his visit to the Thule Air Base in northwest Greenland, Vance made this statement. This trip was seen by both Copenhagen and Nuuk as a provocative act.

“Our message for Denmark is straightforward: you haven’t served the people of Greenland well enough,” Vance stated at a press conference.

He pointed out that there has been insufficient investment in the people of Greenland and also inadequate funding for the security infrastructure of this amazing, stunning expanse of land.

Trump argues the United States needs the vast Arctic island for national and international security and has refused to rule out the use of force to get it.

“We aren’t discussing peace solely for the United States. Our aim is global peace. We’re focused on ensuring worldwide security,” Trump asserted to journalists at the White House on Friday.

When asked about the possible employment of force, Vance emphasized that the US administration believed such an approach was never going to be necessary.

“I believe this approach is sensible, as I trust the citizens of Greenland are reasonable and well-intentioned individuals. Consequently, I anticipate being capable of striking an agreement along the lines of what President Donald Trump aimed for, ensuring both the safety of this region and the protection of the United States,” Vance stated.

Accompanying Vance were his spouse Usha, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and former Homeland Security Advisor Julia Nesheiwat, who happens to be married to Waltz.

The American delegation took off from Greenland aboard Air Force Two shortly after 4:00 pm (1800 GMT). The Vance family was seen waving enthusiastically from the top of the boarding steps as they departed.

‘Unacceptable pressure’

Danish and Greenlandic authorities, supported by the European Union, have maintained that the United States will not be granted Greenland.

The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has criticized the U.S. decision to make an unsolicited trip to the Arctic island, which was originally planned as a wider visit to Greenlandic society, describing it as “unacceptable pressure” exerted on both Greenland and Denmark.

According to a survey conducted in January, most people living in Greenland are against being annexed by the United States.

The Pituffik base is a crucial component of Washington’s missile defense system, situated in the Arctic it lies along the shortest trajectory for missiles launched from Russia towards the United States.

Previously known as Thule Air Base up until 2023, it functioned as a lookout station against potential strikes from the Soviet Union throughout the Cold War era.

It serves as a key position for monitoring air traffic and submarines in the northern part of the globe.

In January, Copenhagen announced plans to dedicate approximately $2.0 billion towards enhancing its presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions, including the procurement of specialized ships and monitoring technology.

The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, stated on Thursday that he viewed Trump’s intentions regarding Greenland as serious.

He expressed worry that “in general, NATO nations are progressively viewing the far north as a launchpad for potential future conflicts.”

Greenland has a population of 57,000 people, with the majority being Inuit.

People think it contains substantial unexplored deposits of minerals and oil, even though oil and uranium extraction are prohibited.

‘Not showing respect’

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who previously worked in the mining sector, stated on Thursday during an interview with Fox News that he was hopeful both the United States and Greenland might collaborate on mining efforts. This collaboration aims to generate employment and economic growth for Greenland while also securing essential minerals and materials for the US.

Trump’s desire to take over the ice-covered territory, which is seeking independence from Denmark, has been categorically rejected by Greenlanders, their politicians and Danish officials.

Although all of Greenland’s political factions advocate for independence, none endorse the notion of joining the United States.

A comprehensive four-party coalition government was unveiled in Greenland shortly before the U.S. delegation arrived, following recent elections held earlier this month.

The newly appointed prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, stated that the region requires solidarity during this period.

“It is crucial that we set aside our disagreements and differences… as only through this can we effectively manage the intense external pressures we face,” he stated upon introducing his cabinet.

Nielsen stated that by going to Greenland during a period without a functioning government, the U.S. administration was not demonstrating respect for an ally.

Usha Vance was originally scheduled to go to Greenland only with her son for a dogsled race in the town of Sisimiut.

Residents mentioned that they intended to offer her a cold welcome, with multiple demonstrations planned.

The trip to Sisimiut was subsequently canceled and instead redirected to the military installation.