The visit comes against the backdrop of previous statements by US President Trump that the US should control Greenland "one way or another." This is reported by UNN with reference to ABC.
Details
Vice President J.D. Vance and First Lady Usha Vance are traveling to Greenland on Friday morning for a limited visit to Pituffik Space Base. The announcement was made later after criticism of Vance's plans for a visit to Greenland: opinions emerged, which resonated, that the trip of the Washington representative is "something more than a friendly visit."
However, the official purpose has now been agreed upon. According to ABC, the Vances boarded Air Force Two shortly after 6 a.m. ET; they were joined by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Senator Mike Lee.
They are expected to arrive at approximately 11:45 a.m. ET. Vice President Vance will then deliver a speech and hold briefings at Pituffik Space Base.
Trump's new statements on Greenland
Ahead of Vance's trip, Trump discussed how he views Greenland as vital to US national security.
"We need Greenland for national security and international security. So, I think we'll go as far as we need to," Trump told reporters on Wednesday. "We need Greenland. And the world needs us to have Greenland, including Denmark. Denmark should have Greenland from us. And, you know, we'll see what happens. But if we don't have Greenland, we can't have great international security."
The president made a statement about buying Greenland during his first term in office.
Reaction of the Danish government
On Wednesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a social media post that the US was exerting "unacceptable pressure" on Greenland and Denmark ahead of the unwelcome visit.
Frederiksen added that the two regions would "resist."
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen called Trump's statements an "escalation" of Trump's rhetoric.
The timing of the visit has been criticized in both Greenland and Denmark. The media also reminds that Greenland is trying to form a coalition government after parliamentary elections two weeks ago.