By: Jessica A. Dennehy
On Friday, March 28th, U.S. Vice President JD Vance controversially touched down at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. Accompanied by his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, along with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and his spouse, the ultimately three-hour visit, despite being initially promoted as a cultural engagement centered around a local dogsled race, took on a more political tone. Amidst the growing tensions between the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark, the Vances’ reception in Greenland was, to be frank, chilly.
Although plans were made for public outreach, they were quickly scaled back after prominent Greenlandic politicians and businesses began boycotting the presence of the affluent Americans. As such, the American delegation remained within the bounds of the remote Pituffik installation, nestled on the northwest coast of Greenland. There they spent their time meeting with U.S. military personnel for photo opportunities and eating lunch. No Greenlandic representatives were present.
At a press conference held on the base, Vice President Vance criticized Denmark’s role in Arctic security, suggesting that increased U.S. involvement would bring greater stability. Preaching this colonial jargon to a room filled only with American military staff, it is of note that the delegation never left the American-controlled facility during their stay.
“We think we’re going to be able to cut a deal, Donald Trump-style,” Vance said, “to ensure the security of this territory but also the United States of America.”
Polls among Greenlanders have continued to demonstrate strong support for maintaining Greenland’s current status as a Danish autonomous region. Additionally, even the Danish government has responded to Vance’s remarks, firmly reaffirming that Greenland’s political future is not up for sale or discussion.
Tensions surrounding the visit extended even within U.S. ranks. Col. Susannah Meyers, commander of Pituffik at the time, privately expressed concerns about the political nature of the trip and its impact on personnel morale. She was dismissed by the military one day before the visit was publicly announced, with the Pentagon citing its “zero-tolerance” stance on dissent toward the administration’s Arctic policy