Vance and his wife visit US military base in Greenland
Greenland’s diplomatic relationship with the US faces fresh complications following JD Vance’s visit, with one expert warning Donald Trump’s past rhetoric risks undoing any attempts at rebuilding trust. Dr Dwayne Ryan Menezes, Founder and Managing Director of Polar Research and Policy Initiative (PRPI), has cautioned that Mr Vance’s more conciliatory tone in Greenland will struggle to overcome the damage caused by US President Mr Trump’s aggressive remarks in the past.
Mr Vance’s trip, which had to be scaled down following fears of protests, was presented as part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to secure stronger relations with Greenland. During his speech, Mr Vance deliberately attempted to shift away from Mr Trump’s more combative stance, insisting that the US “respected the right of the Greenlandic people to determine their own future.” However, Dr Menezes explained that despite Mr Vance’s attempt to reset the tone, Mr Trump’s earlier remarks still weighed heavily.
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JD Vance visited Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on Friday (Image: AP)
He told the Express: “The damage done by Mr Trump’s comments has been significant.
“Even with Mr Vance’s attempts to present a more balanced approach, there is an underlying sense that the US may still be pursuing its interests at the expense of Greenland’s sovereignty.”
Dr Menezes also cautioned that Mr Vance’s speech, while focusing on a partnership, may still carry echoes of the US’s longstanding desire for control in the region.
He said: “What Greenland wants is to be treated as an equal partner, not as a territory to be acquired.
“Mr Vance’s speech may have tried to shift the narrative, but the fundamental question remains: Does the US respect Greenland’s right to choose its own path, free from outside interference?”
Dr Menezes stressed that such diplomatic tensions are not easily erased, suggesting Mr Trump may have already “poisoned the well,” making it more difficult for future US officials to engage with Greenland on equal terms.
He stressed: “The challenge now is rebuilding the trust that has been lost. That will take more than just measured speeches; it will require genuine actions that demonstrate respect for Greenland’s autonomy.”
While Mr Vance’s visit was aimed at assuring Greenland of US respect for its autonomy, the context of his trip cannot be divorced from Mr Trump’s earlier remarks. The proposal to “buy” Greenland in 2019 was viewed by many as an attempt to undermine the island’s sovereignty and led to a diplomatic clash between the US and Denmark, which governs Greenland.
US President Donald Trump (Image: Getty)
Mr Trump has returned to the subject on numerous occasions since then, and after his re-election to a second term, has made it clear he is serious about wanting to “acquire” the island.
During his visit, Mr Vance attempted to ease tensions by reiterating the US’s commitment to respecting Greenland’s sovereignty.
He said: “I want to make it clear: The United States respects the right of the Greenlandic people to determine their own future. The United States is committed to supporting Greenland’s aspirations for prosperity and security, with no intention of infringing on its sovereignty.”
In his speech from the US base, Mr Vance lashed out instead at Denmark, claiming it “underinvested” in the territory. He continued: “What we think is going to happen is that the Greenlanders are going to choose — through self-determination — to become independent of Denmark. And then we’re going to have conversations with the people of Greenland from there. We do not think military force is ever going to be necessary.”
Despite Mr Vance’s attempt to reassure Greenland, the impact of Mr Trump’s earlier statements still lingers. Mr Trump’s suggestion that Greenland could be “bought” led to a significant diplomatic fallout, with both Greenlandic and Danish leaders reacting with strong disapproval.
Greenland’s PM Mute Bourup Egede (Image: Getty)
Mute Bourup Egede, Prime Minister of Greenland, has rejected any notion of the island being sold or acquired, saying: “Greenland’s future will be decided by the Greenlandic people alone. There is no room for negotiations about our sovereignty.”
Similarly, Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, who has clashed with Mr Trump in the past, reiterated her country’s firm stance on the matter.
She said: “Greenland is an autonomous part of Denmark. We will not entertain any discussions about selling the island. Greenland’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.”
As the US seeks to strengthen its ties with Greenland, the island’s leaders remain vigilant, mindful of any attempts that may undermine their sovereignty.
In a move that underlined the challenge they face, Mr Trump yesterday used his Truth Social media platform to share a glossy video, making the case for Greenland to become part of the US.