Usha Vance, the wife of Republican frontrunner JD Vance, is set to visit Greenland in a move that has been described as ‘very aggressive’ by the territory’s outgoing prime minister
Usha Vance, the wife of JD Vance, is facing backlash over her upcoming trip to Greenland. She has controversially stated that her focus is on the welfare of the region’s dogs rather than its political status.
The planned visit to the Danish territory has drawn criticism from both within Greenland and internationally. The territory’s outgoing prime minister, Múte Egede, has described the visit as a “very aggressive” move.
Joining Vance on the trip will be national security adviser Mike Waltz and energy secretary Chris Wright.
In defence of the trip, Usha Vance has highlighted the intention to honour the “long history of co-operation and mutual respect” between Greenland and the United States. Additionally, the White House has asserted that the primary reason for Vance’s visit is to attend the national dog-sled race, in line with the theme of mutual celebration.
However, this explanation is met with scepticism by some, especially in light of President Donald Trump’s previously stated ambition to annex Greenland and take it from Denmark since his return to office. When questioned about the potential annexation of Greenland, Trump reportedly said: “I think that will happen,” reports the Irish Star.
Given these circumstances, Vance’s trip is being viewed with a degree of suspicion, as the US becomes entangled in a highly intricate situation.
Just how intricate is it?
Greenland has long been at a crossroads regarding its future, with internal divisions over whether to pursue independence from Denmark.
According to the BBC, a recent survey revealed that nearly 80 percent of Greenlanders are in favour of breaking away from their European counterpart.
Despite a push for independence from Denmark, it seems Greenlanders have no desire to become part of the United States. A January survey indicated that over 80 percent of Greenland’s population are against the idea of becoming the 51st US state.
So why is Trump so keen on Greenland?
The answer lies in a combination of energy and security interests. Notably, it’s not just one of Trump’s security advisers accompanying Usha Vance, but also his energy secretary.
Greenland’s wealth of natural resources, including iron, copper, coal, and zinc, is highly attractive for an America seeking energy independence from China.
Security is another major factor behind Trump’s interest in Greenland. The strategically located territory in the Atlantic houses the Thule Air Force base, a US military installation.
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Trump has made a bold statement about Greenland, asserting that he needs it “for national security” and alleging that Denmark has no “legal right to it,” as reported by the Standard.
However, despite Trump’s assertions, Denmark’s connection to Greenland spans centuries. It wasn’t until 1953 that Greenland ceased to be a colony.
Home rule was introduced in 1979, and in 2009, Greenlanders and their government were granted even greater autonomy. Currently, Greenland manages its domestic affairs while Denmark oversees foreign policy and defence matters.
Does this mean America is heading towards a clash with a European (and NATO) ally?
Potentially. Since taking office, Trump has openly expressed his interest in annexing Greenland, a move likened to Putin’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014, citing national security reasons.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that both Denmark and America are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and any military encroachment, planned via text message or otherwise, could trigger a diplomatic crisis.
This doesn’t necessarily mean Trump will attempt to annex Denmark and make it the 51st State, but Usha Vance’s visit with an energy secretary and national defence advisor under the guise of visiting dogs has set off alarm bells in both Greenland and the rest of Europe.
