(BBC News) Vice-President JD Vance’s comments at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland were nothing we have not heard before – but are sure to raise eyebrows among some US allies, particularly in Copenhagen.
We have heard the assertion that Denmark has been “under-investing” in Greenland’s security from Vance, Donald Trump and others – not just about Greenland but European security in general.
We also saw shades of that with this week’s publication of the now-infamous Signals chat with other cabinet members, in which Vance expressed his displeasure with European allies.
Vance’s comment that the US respects Greenlander’s “self-determination” will ring hollow to many in Greenland and in Denmark.
While many Greenlanders – including those of the centre-right Demokraatit Party that just won the most votes in Greenland’s parliamentary election – favour independence from Denmark, polls show that the vast majority (85% in one) of the territory’s residents do not want to be part of the US.
It is unclear what the US endgame is here, although Vance seems certain that, ultimately, Greenlanders will “cut a deal” with the US.
Vance says that he believes a military operation will never be necessary, but the entire visit is likely to be seen as provocative, leaving many to question U.S. intentions.
Many foreign observers will be watching carefully to see if the administration’s handling of Greenland offers any clues to how they will handle other foreign territories that Trump has expressed interest in – namely Panama, Canada, and Gaza.
