Greenland visit ignites tension: U.S. defends, locals resist

Trump firmly rejected allegations that the planned visit of the U.S. delegation to Greenland could be seen as a provocation. According to the American President, it is the Greenlanders themselves who initiate contacts with the United States, asking for support in security matters. During a cabinet meeting, he mentioned that numerous individuals from Greenland have reached out, expressing a desire for improved protection and support. He emphasized that the initiative came from them, not the other way around, noting that their presence in Greenland was by invitation.

The official purpose of the delegation's visit, led by Usha Vance, the wife of the U.S. Vice President, is to participate in the national dog sled race scheduled for Thursday. Trump also suggested that Secretary of State Marco Rubio might be part of the delegation, although earlier reports only mentioned the participation of the President's National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

When questioned about who had extended the invitation, Trump claimed it came from "many, many people," including certain representatives of the authorities. However, this assertion stands in contrast to the official position of Greenland’s government.

Both Danish and Greenlandic authorities have expressed critical positions towards the planned visit of the American delegation. The acting Prime Minister of Greenland, Mute B. Egede, published a statement on Facebook, emphasizing that the visit cannot be treated as purely private. He also noted that until a new government is formed in Greenland, there will be no meeting with the U.S. delegation. Elections took place on the island, which is an autonomous territory dependent on Denmark, in early March, and the new government has yet to be constituted.

The Prime Minister of Greenland called on the island's residents to "unite in defense of the country," referring to an anti-American demonstration that took place in mid-March in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Around 1,000 Greenlanders participated in the protest, which is a significant number for this small community.

Despite the clear opposition from local authorities, Trump again suggested the possibility of the United States acquiring Greenland in the future. The American President expressed that Greenland could play a role in the country’s future, highlighting its significance from an international security perspective. He pointed to the presence of various foreign vessels—mentioning Russia, China, and others—around Greenland as a concern, suggesting that the current situation is unsustainable.