 "Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen looks on as she attends a European Union summit in Brussels, Belgium, on March 20, 2025. Reuters File")
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday slammed President Donald Trump’s administration for applying “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland, condemning the planned visit to the Danish territory by Vice President JD Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, along with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
“This is clearly not a visit that is about what Greenland needs or wants,” Politico quoted Frederiksen as saying.
“Therefore, I have to say that it is unacceptable pressure being put on Greenland and Denmark in this situation. And it’s a pressure we will stand against,” the prime minister added.
Frederiksen’s comments represent her strongest rebuke of the White House since Trump focused on acquiring the self-governing Danish territory, which is rich in critical minerals and holds significant geostrategic importance in the Arctic.
She also pointed out that Greenlandic representatives were “clear” about their stance: “they do not want a visit right now, as they do not have a government” following the recent election earlier this month.
“You cannot make a private visit with official representatives from another country,” Politico quoted the Danish prime minister as saying.
Brian Hughes, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said the visit by the delegation, which runs from Thursday to Saturday, aimed to “learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people.”
Trump initially suggested the idea of the US acquiring Greenland during his first term, but he has intensified his stance since returning to the White House.
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More ShortsHe has not dismissed the possibility of using military force or economic pressure to claim the world’s largest island, labeling it an “absolute necessity” for US national security.
With inputs from agencies