Danish officials responded on Saturday to sharp criticism from JD Vance regarding their management of Greenland, highlighting that the United States has notably reduced its military presence in the Arctic region. Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, addressed an unscheduled visit made by the U.S. vice-president to an American military base in Greenland. Rasmussen acknowledged that while Denmark was “open to criticism,” the manner of delivery was not appreciated, suggesting that this was not a way to address close allies.
Rasmussen noted that in 1945, the United States operated 17 bases and military installations in Greenland with thousands of soldiers. Currently, only one American base remains, staffed by approximately 200 soldiers. He emphasized the potential to collaborate more effectively within the existing frameworks.
The interest in Greenland has been heightened due to former President Donald Trump’s public interest in acquiring the island from Denmark, bringing attention to the Arctic territory and its population of 57,000 people. On Friday, Vance, alongside U.S. national security adviser Mike Waltz and energy secretary Chris Wright, visited the Pituffik Space Base and criticized Denmark’s management of Greenland’s welfare.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory under the kingdom of Denmark, has a majority population seeking eventual independence from Copenhagen. Danish officials recently announced a $2 billion defense initiative, after acknowledging insufficient investment in the island’s security, reflecting a shift in their cautious stance towards Trump’s territorial ambitions.
Rasmussen mentioned that Vance conceded the U.S. also had not invested sufficiently in the Arctic, stressing that a period of assuming low tensions in the area has ended and maintaining the current situation is not feasible. Trump has previously argued that the U.S. lags behind Russia and China in icebreaker capabilities and other Arctic preparations as these nations prepare for reducing ice levels.
Danish and Greenlandic officials have been alarmed by Trump’s rhetoric about the necessity of acquiring Greenland, rejecting the notion of using military force. On Friday, Vance stated that he did not expect military force to be necessary, anticipating instead that Greenlanders might opt for independence and a closer partnership with the U.S. He acknowledged perceived threats from China and Russia to Greenland, though experts indicate the only public threat has come from the U.S.
Denmark, which participated alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, was troubled by the critique from its principal security ally but was relieved that Vance did not escalate the situation further. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen labeled Vance’s comments as unfair to Denmark, a country she described as a reliable and strong ally of the U.S.
Under a comprehensive defense agreement from 1951, the U.S. is permitted to establish military bases across Greenland, provided Denmark’s sovereignty remains unaffected. Greenlandic and Danish officials noted they have, on multiple occasions in recent years, suggested that the U.S. enhance its military presence, but the U.S. has chosen to reduce its operations instead.
On Friday, Greenland announced a new, extensive government coalition. The new prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, criticized Vance for lacking respect by announcing his visit unsolicited while government negotiations were still underway.