Greenland Condemns Planned Vsits by Usha Vance and Trump adviser

Greenland's politicians have criticized plans for US visits. This follows President Donald Trump's threats to take over the island.

Second Lady Usha Vance will visit this week. Trump's National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is also expected to visit.

Outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede called the plan aggressive. He noted that neither official was invited for meetings. The likely next leader accused the US of disrespecting Greenland.

Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. It has been controlled by Denmark for about 300 years. Greenland governs its own domestic affairs, but foreign policy decisions come from Copenhagen. The US has had a military base on the island since World War Two.

Trump is reportedly interested in Greenland's rare earth minerals. His son, Donald Jr., visited before Trump's inauguration in January.

The White House announced Mrs. Vance's visit will include historical sites and a national dogsled race. Her delegation aims to celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity.

Waltz's trip was confirmed by CBS News sources. He is expected to travel with Energy Secretary Chris Wright before Mrs. Vance arrives.

PM Egede described Waltz's visit as a provocation. He questioned what the security advisor would do in Greenland, suggesting it was a show of power.

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Greenland's probable next PM, echoed Egede’s concerns about respect from American officials.

US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated that the US has interests in the Arctic region. He emphasized that visits aim to build partnerships while respecting Greenland’s self-determination and promoting economic cooperation.

Trump escalated his takeover campaign during a conversation with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte earlier this month. His comments suggested he might seek NATO support for taking over Greenland.

"You know, Mark, we need that for international security," Trump said during their discussion. When asked about annexation, he replied: "I think that will happen."

This prompted leading political parties in Greenland to condemn Trump's behavior in a joint statement. The issue became central during recent elections where Egede's party lost to Nielsen’s Democratic party, which supports gradual independence from Denmark.

Earlier this month, Trump told Congress he supports Greenlanders' right to determine their future: "If you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America."

Recent polls show nearly 80% of Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark. However, many reject becoming part of the US according to an opinion survey conducted in January.