Second Lady Usha Vance is set to visit Greenland as President Donald Trump advocates for the United States to take control of the self-governing, mineral-rich territory, which is a part of American ally Denmark.
Vance will depart on Thursday and return on Saturday, as stated by her office. She and one of her three children will be part of a U.S. delegation visiting historic sites and learning about Greenlandic culture.
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Reports from media in Greenland and Denmark indicate that Vance will be joined by Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz. Neither the White House nor the National Security Council have responded to requests for comment.
During his first term, Trump expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, despite Denmark, a NATO ally, insisting it was not for sale. Greenland’s people also strongly opposed Trump’s idea.
Vice President JD Vance stated on Sunday that Trump “doesn’t care” about European reactions. He claimed Denmark was failing in its responsibilities towards Greenland and not being a good ally. “If that means we need to take more territorial interest in Greenland, that’s what President Trump is going to do,” Vance said on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures. He added, “He doesn’t care about what the Europeans scream at us; he cares about putting the interests of American citizens first.”
Since returning to the White House, Trump has repeatedly suggested the U.S. should control Greenland, citing national security concerns, though he insists his goal is not American expansionism. “I think we will have it,” Trump said about Greenland shortly after beginning his second term on January 20. The U.S. already maintains a military base there, and the president's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., visited it in January.
During her trip, Usha Vance will attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race, featuring around 37 mushers and 444 dogs. Her office stated that Vance and the U.S. delegation “are excited to witness this monumental race and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity.”
In a recent Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump commented that “Denmark’s very far away” from Greenland, questioning whether Denmark still had the right to claim the island as part of its kingdom. “A boat landed there 200 years ago or something. And they say they have rights to it,” Trump said. “I don’t know if that’s true. I don’t think it is, actually.”
Greenland’s parliament issued a joint statement last week rejecting Trump’s remarks. Denmark has acknowledged Greenland’s right to independence whenever it chooses.
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In addition to his focus on Greenland, Trump has hinted at the possibility of military intervention in Panama to take control of the Panama Canal, suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, and proposed that U.S. interests might take control of the war-torn Gaza Strip from Israel to develop it into a resort area akin to the French Riviera.