Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen accused the US of applying “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland.
She spoke shortly before an unsolicited visit by Trump administration officials to the Arctic island.
US Delegation Plans Visit to Greenland
A US delegation plans to visit Greenland from Thursday to Sunday.
The group includes Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance.
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright will also attend.
They intend to visit Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
Frederiksen Rejects Nature of the Visit
Frederiksen condemned the visit and called it political pressure.
“This is unacceptable pressure on Greenland and Denmark,” she told Danish media.
“We will resist this pressure,” she added.
“You cannot call this a private visit when it includes official US representatives,” she said.
Trump Justifies Visit as Friendly
President Donald Trump defended the delegation’s trip.
He claimed the visit reflected “friendliness, not provocation.”
He repeated his interest in acquiring Greenland for national security purposes.
Greenland Leader Calls Visit Aggressive
Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede called the visit “highly aggressive.”
He announced that no official meetings would take place.
Greenland recently held elections and has not yet formed a new government.
Egede said people on the island feel concerned about the delegation.
He posted his remarks on Facebook.
Egede Sees Power Display Behind Trip
Egede said the visit by Waltz served one purpose.
“The trip demonstrates power,” he stated.
“The signal is clear and cannot be misunderstood,” he added.
Danish PM Backs Greenland’s Reaction
Frederiksen supported Egede’s reaction.
She said, “Greenlandic leaders clearly rejected this visit.”
“You cannot interpret the trip as respectful,” she continued.
“This visit does not reflect Greenland’s needs or wishes,” she concluded.
Greenland’s Political Status and US Interest
Greenland governs itself but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Denmark remains a US ally but rejected Trump’s interest in buying Greenland.
Copenhagen has recognized Greenland’s right to choose independence.
JD Vance Criticizes Denmark Over China
Vice President JD Vance recently criticized Denmark.
He said Denmark “is not doing its job” as an ally.
He accused Denmark of ignoring Chinese activities in Arctic sea lanes.
Vance defended possible US action on Greenland.
“We must solve national security issues,” he said on Fox News.
“If that means taking more interest in Greenland, Trump will act,” he declared.
Delegation Will Tour and Meet US Forces
Usha Vance plans to visit historic sites in Greenland.
She will bring one of her three children.
They will “learn about Greenlandic heritage,” her office stated.
US Officials to Visit Military Base
Waltz and Wright will visit the US Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland.
They will receive briefings from US service members stationed there.
The National Security Council defended the trip.
“It should not surprise anyone,” a spokesperson said.