When Vice President JD Vance arrived in Greenland, he was met with a chilly reception, both from the weather and the island’s residents. Upon landing, he remarked, "It’s cold as s*** here," capturing the stark reality of his visit. The atmosphere was not just cold in temperature; it reflected the tensions between the U.S. and Greenland.
Vance’s visit was supposed to be significant, with plans for a small U.S. team that quickly grew into a larger delegation. However, the schedule shrank dramatically when organizers of a popular dogsled race announced that the Americans were not invited. This snub highlighted the unease felt by Greenlanders towards the U.S. presence.
The White House sent not only Vance but also national security advisor Mike Waltz, indicating the importance of the trip. Yet, instead of being greeted by local islanders, the delegation was welcomed by U.S. troops stationed at a military outpost. Their mission was to monitor potential missile threats, underscoring the strategic importance of Greenland in U.S. defense plans.
During his visit, Vance took aim at Denmark, criticizing the European nation’s role in Greenland’s governance. He expressed hopes that Greenlanders might eventually seek independence from Denmark and develop closer ties with the U.S. However, his comments raised questions about the actual relationship between the U.S. and Greenland, as many locals felt overlooked.
Vance’s speech included the word "think" twice, suggesting uncertainty about the future. He speculated on the possibility of Greenland voting for independence but also stated, "We do not think military action will be necessary," when asked about potential conflicts.
Back in Washington, President Trump reinforced the U.S. stance, stating, "It’s not a question about whether we can do without it (Greenland). We can’t." This statement reflects the administration’s ongoing interest in Greenland, which has been a topic of discussion for years.
As the visit concluded, it became clear that while the U.S. aims to strengthen ties with Greenland, the island’s residents feel a mix of skepticism and concern about their future. The chilly reception may be a sign that more work is needed to build trust and understanding between the two parties.