Greenland PM condemns U.S. ‘foreign interference’ ahead of delegation visit

Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede on Monday accused Washington of interfering in the territory’s political affairs following the announcement of an American delegation visit this week.

The visit has raised tensions due to Greenland’s strategic significance and its past involvement in U.S. geopolitical ambitions.

The White House confirmed on Sunday that Usha Vance, wife of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, will visit Greenland this week with her son and a U.S. delegation. Egede stated that the group would include National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.

The visit, scheduled from Thursday to Saturday, comes amid a backdrop of heightened political sensitivity and historic interest from the U.S. in Greenland.

Egede emphasized that the delegation’s visit should not be viewed as merely a private visit. “It should be said clearly that our integrity and democracy must be respected without foreign interference,” he said, noting that the delegation’s arrival is a matter of significant concern for Greenland’s sovereignty.

The strained relationship between Greenland and the U.S. has been exacerbated by former President Donald Trump’s well-documented attempts to purchase the island, which he once described as “strategically important.”

Trump, who returned to power in January, has repeatedly stated his desire for the United States to take control of Greenland, even suggesting that force could be considered to achieve this goal.

Egede pointed out that Greenland had already communicated to Washington that “no talks” would take place until after the March 11 general elections. Following those elections, Egede’s government was left in a caretaker role until a new government could be formed.

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Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the centre-right Democrats who won the election and is expected to become Greenland’s next prime minister, has also criticized Trump’s actions regarding Greenland, calling them “inappropriate.”

Nielsen’s stance mirrors Egede’s sentiment that Greenland’s future should be determined by its people, not foreign powers.

“We must stand together and stand up against unacceptable treatment. Because we are the ones who decide our own future,” Egede stated.

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Greenland, which is seeking greater autonomy from Denmark, is home to vast untapped natural resources, including mineral and oil reserves.

However, exploration of oil and uranium is currently banned, largely due to environmental concerns.

Polls indicate that while most Greenlanders support independence from Denmark, there is little interest in the island being annexed by the U.S.

In a related development, Donald Trump’s son, Donald Jr., visited Greenland briefly in early January, adding further to tensions surrounding the island’s political future.