Vice President JD Vance braved freezing temperatures during his historic visit to Greenland, becoming the first U.S. vice president to set foot on the ice-covered island. “It’s cold as sh*t here, nobody told me!” Vance joked with troops at the Pituffik Space Base, America’s northernmost military outpost. The visit highlighted President Trump’s push to expand U.S. influence in the Arctic as global rivals like China and Russia increase their presence.
The Trump administration sees Greenland as critical for national security and access to rare minerals needed for electric vehicles and defense systems. President Trump argued that controlling Greenland would protect shipping routes opening due to melting ice and counter foreign threats. “We need Greenland for international security,” Trump said, adding that previous leaders ignored the region’s strategic value. Vance echoed this, claiming Denmark failed to invest in Greenland’s infrastructure.
Danish leaders fiercely opposed the visit, calling it disrespectful to Greenland’s self-governance. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen accused the U.S. of “unacceptable pressure,” while protesters in Copenhagen carried signs reading “back off, USA.” Greenland’s own lawmakers formed a unity government to resist American demands, with 85% of residents rejecting U.S. annexation. Local leaders stressed cooperation over domination, saying “you don’t just take over.”
During his three-hour stop, Vance praised U.S. troops stationed at the remote base, noting their sacrifices while serving year-long tours without families. He blamed Denmark for weakening Arctic security and urged Greenland to seek independence. “The president doesn’t think military force will be necessary,” Vance claimed, despite Trump’s refusal to rule it out. The trip was scaled back after backlash over its original focus on a dogsled race instead of policy talks.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called Trump’s moves “unsurprising,” noting America’s long interest in Greenland’s resources. Putin warned that Russia would boost its Arctic military forces in response, calling NATO’s northern activities threatening. China’s growing investments in Greenlandic mining also worry U.S. officials, who want to break Beijing’s hold on critical minerals.
Greenland holds vast deposits of lithium, graphite, and rare earth metals essential for modern technology. Energy Secretary Chris Wright suggested U.S. companies could partner with Greenlanders to create jobs while securing these resources. Critics argue mining would harm Greenland’s environment, but supporters say it’s needed to compete globally.
The Trump administration faces an uphill battle convincing Greenlanders to join America. Many remember Trump’s failed 2019 bid to buy the territory and resent being treated as a bargaining chip. Even Greenland’s pro-U.S. politicians, like Jørgen Boassen, oppose outright annexation. Still, Trump allies argue stronger ties would benefit both nations economically and strategically.
As tensions rise, Denmark’s foreign minister urged calm, reminding America of their 1951 defense pact. But with Trump vowing “we can’t do without Greenland” and Vance accusing allies of weakness, the Arctic looks set to become the next frontier in global power struggles. The administration’s aggressive approach has united Greenlanders against foreign takeover—even as melting ice makes their homeland a hotspot for rival superpowers.
