Vance Family's Humiliating Greenland Trip
Vice President JD Vance is sworn in, Jan. 20, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Office of Vice President of the United States. Public domain.
It was supposed to be a cozy Arctic photo op — instead, it turned into a diplomatic cold war. Vice President JD Vance and his family flew into Greenland expecting snow, smiles, and maybe a sled race. What they got instead was a geopolitical storm, a public snub from Nuuk, and icy silence from the city of Ushuaia — with some left pointing the Trump administration's shifting northward gaze as the cause.
What began as a cultural goodwill tour — featuring Usha Vance and her son, a stop at a dogsled race, and diplomatic niceties — was abruptly reduced to a single-day visit at a military base. The shift was more than logistical — it was political, personal, and, frankly, a little humiliating
Why Greenland? Why Now?
The trip was part of the Trump administration's continued push to assert American influence in Greenland — a semi-autonomous Danish territory long considered a strategic gem. President Donald Trump has openly declared to NBC News that, "We'll get Greenland. Yeah, 100%," as reported by USA Today.
The official delegation — which reportedly included JD and Usha Vance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright — was intended to highlight American investment in Arctic security. But from the beginning, the plan faced friction.
Greenlandic officials publicly criticized the timing and message of the visit, calling it disrespectful. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said it "shows a lack of respect for the Greenlandic people," as reported by USA Today.
Meanwhile, a scheduled cultural tour by Usha Vance was reportedly canceled after no local groups agreed to host her. One travel agency in Nuuk backed out, saying, "After closer consideration, however, we have now informed the consulate that we do not want her visit, as we cannot accept the underlying agenda and will not be part of the press show that of course, comes with it," declaring, "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders," as reported by USA Today.
What Vance Said — and Who Hit Back
Speaking at the U.S. Pituffik Space Base, Vance delivered a sharp rebuke of Denmark, accusing it of neglecting Greenland's security needs and under-investing in the Arctic. He warned of growing Russian and Chinese interest in the region and claimed the U.S. must act before rivals do.
"Our message is very simple, yes, the people of Greenland are going to have self-determination. We hope that they choose to partner with the United States, because we're the only nation on earth that will respect their sovereignty and respect their security," Vance said, as reported by BBC. But he also emphasized that the U.S. would pursue its goals diplomatically, stating, "We do not think that military force is ever going to be necessary."
The backlash from Denmark came quickly.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pushed back, calling the vice president's remarks "Not justifiable," according to BBC.
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen added, "Much is being said these days. Many accusations and many allegations have been made... And of course, we are open to criticism. But let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it's being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies," as reported by USA Today.
Greenland's Mood: 'We're Afraid of Being Colonized Again'
Back in Nuuk, the reaction was emotional. Qupanuk Olsen, a Greenlandic politician said, "We're afraid of being colonized again. Now another colonizer is interested in us," as reported by the Daily Sabah.
Polls suggest that while many Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, only about 6% favor becoming part of the United States. Local artist Karline Poulsen described Trump's rhetoric as "There are many ways to say things. But I think the way [Trump] is saying it is not the way. It's like a threat," as reported by the BBC.
The public rejection of Usha Vance's planned cultural visit underscored the unease. In the days before the trip, U.S. officials struggled to find anyone willing to host her in Nuuk. "No, otherwise thank you," was the consistent reply from residents, making the Americans alter their plans, according to USA Today.
What Now?
Despite the friction, the U.S. has made no indication it will back down from its Arctic ambitions. Vance insisted that "If that means we need to take more territorial interest in Greenland, that is what President Trump is going to do because he doesn't care about what the Europeans scream at us, he cares about putting the interests of America's citizens first," Vance said, USA Today reports. Trump echoed this, telling NBC News that "I think we're going to get it. One way or the other, we're going to get it," — referring to the island.
Still, with Greenland's public pushing back, Denmark digging in, and allies increasingly wary, the visit may have done more to harden resistance than win hearts.
As the Vances boarded Air Force Two for the six-hour flight back, the northern lights shimmered across the Nuuk skyline. But for the people of Greenland, the real show had already ended — and not everyone was clapping.
References: Vance scolds Denmark during Greenland trip as Trump says US must have island | JD Vance's ominous pitch to Greenland | Danish leader after Vance's Greenland trip: 'Not how you speak to your close allies' | Report: Greenland residents asked if they want to greet Usha Vance said, 'No, thank you' | JD Vance urges Greenland to ditch Denmark over security concerns
