While Denmark raised security, the US has been accused of raising pressure in its calls for annexation of semi-automatic islands.
The Greenlandian Prime Minister criticized the trip, which was planned as a “provocation” by a well-known US delegation.
This week’s visit to the semi-autonomous Danish territory by the US Second Lady with a White House national security adviser this week won criticism from across Greenland’s political spectrum on Monday. The trip comes amid a continuing claim by President Donald Trump that the United States wants to annex the island.
The delegations visiting the US military base are led by Usha Vance, wife of Vice President J.D. Vance, and include White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede called for a “provocative” visit from Thursday to Saturday, and said his caretaker government would not meet.
“Until recently we were allies and friends and we were able to trust Americans who we enjoyed our work closely,” Egede told local newspaper Sermitsiaq. “But it was over then.”
“The sole purpose of the visit is to demonstrate power and the signal should not be misunderstood,” he added.
Greenland’s government is currently in the caregiver stage, following the Democratic-winning parliamentary elections on March 11th. Pro Business Party supports a slower approach to independence from Denmark.
Party leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen said during the visit during coalition talks and the local government elections scheduled for next week “all showing a lack of respect for the people of Greenland.”
White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said the US delegation’s visit “provides an opportunity to respect Greenland’s self-determination and develop partnerships that promote economic cooperation.”
Trump has made a big stir on Greenland’s annexation since his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., personally visited the mineral-rich island in January.
In criticism from Greenland, Denmark said it was boosting security before the delegation arrives.
Danish police sent extra personnel and sniffer dogs to the island prior to their scheduled visit, a chief spokesman for Danish National Police added that the reinforcements were part of regular measures taken during their visit to Greenland.
About 60 police officers from Denmark arrived in Nuuk on Sunday, the state broadcaster KNR reported.
Greenland’s strategic location and abundant oil, gas and mineral resources could benefit the United States. It also follows the shortest route from Europe to North America, making it essential for the US ballistic missile warning system.
Waltz and Wright are scheduled to visit Pitafik Space Station, a US military base in Greenland. The White House said it will receive briefings from US service members there.
Both Greenland and Denmark governments have expressed opposition to rising pressure from the Trump administration.
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