On Friday, US Vice President JD Vance said that Denmark has "underinvested" in Greenland's security and urged the country to change its approach. His remarks come as President Donald Trump continues to discuss the idea of taking over the Danish territory.

Vance made these comments while visiting US troops at Pituffik Space Base, located on the mineral-rich and strategically important island. “Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Vance said. “You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change.” Vance stated that the United States must take a strong stance to guarantee Greenland's security. He also supported efforts in Greenland to seek independence from Denmark. "I think that they ultimately will partner with the United States," Vance said. "We could make them much more secure. We could do a lot more protection. And I think they'd fare a lot better economically as well."

Vance, along with his wife and other senior U.S. officials, visited an American military base in Greenland on Friday. The trip was shortened after Greenlanders and Danes expressed frustration that the original plans were made without consulting them. Upon arrival, Vance spoke briefly to U.S. troops at the base before having lunch with them alongside his wife. He mentioned that President Donald Trump's Republican administration is highly focused on Arctic security. He, along with his team—including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Senator Mike Lee from Utah—received briefings from military officials. "As you all know, it's a big issue and it's only going to get bigger over the coming decades," Vance said at the start of his lunch with troops, noting that he was the first US vice president to visit Greenland. 

The revised trip to Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, comes at a time when relations between the US and Denmark have become strained. This is due to Trump's repeated suggestion that the US should have some level of control over Greenland, a mineral-rich region. Denmark, a long-time US ally and NATO member, has opposed this idea. In Washington, Trump stated that Greenland is important for US international security.

Speaking to reporters after Vance arrived at the military base, Trump mentioned growing Chinese and Russian interest in the Arctic. He pointed out that climate change has opened up new sea routes in the region. "Greenland's very important for the peace of the world," Trump said. "And I think Denmark understands, and I think the European Union understands it. And if they don't, we're going to have to explain it to them." Friday's brief visit to the US Space Force base at Pituffik, located on Greenland's northwest coast, helped avoid a possible diplomatic issue. This is because visiting another country without an official invitation could break diplomatic customs. The visit also lessens the chances of Vance and his wife encountering locals upset by Trump's statements.

"It was minus-3 degrees F (minus-19 degrees C) when the delegation landed to sunny skies at the remote base 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle. It's cold as s- here. Nobody told me," Vance said, prompting laughs. Before Vance's arrival, four out of the five parties elected to Greenland's parliament earlier this month joined forces to form a broad coalition government. They united to counter Trump's interest in the territory. It is a time when we as a population are under pressure, the prime minister-designate, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said before the accord was signed to applause and cheers in the capital, Nuuk. He emphasized the importance of staying united, as we are strongest when we stand together, according to Greenland broadcaster KNR. Congratulating Nielsen and his new administration, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen wrote on Instagram, "I look forward to close cooperation in an unnecessarily conflict-filled time."

The US visit, initially scheduled for three days, created unacceptably high pressure, Frederiksen said on Tuesday. "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, but Denmark wants to collaborate with the US on defense and security," she stated. Initially, Usha Vance planned to travel alone to Sisimiut for the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race. Later, her husband decided to join her but changed his plans again after protests from Greenland and Denmark. In the end, the couple made only a one-day visit to the military post. Meanwhile, residents of Nuuk, located about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) south of Pituffik, expressed concerns about Vance’s visit and the growing U.S. interest in their island. According to 22-year-old Cora Hy, Vance is welcome to view it, but Greenland is obviously not for sale. With all the attention Greenland is receiving, she continued, "it's not normal around here." "I feel now every day is about (Trump) and I just want to get away from it.

"It's all a bit crazy. Of course, the population here is a bit shook up," said 30-year-old Inuk Kristensen. "My opinion is the same as everyone's: Of course you don't do things this way. You don't just come here and say that you want to buy the place." Greenland is an important entry point to the Arctic and North Atlantic, making it strategically valuable as China and Russia look for access to its waterways and natural resources. During his first term, Trump suggested buying Greenland, but Denmark made it clear that it was not for sale. The people of Greenland also strongly opposed his idea. Vance has repeatedly criticised long-time European allies for depending on the United States for military support. His remarks have strained relationships and raised concerns about whether the U.S. can be trusted as a reliable partner.