Denmark disapproves of the 'tone' in JD Vance's comments about Greenland
Denmark expressed its displeasure on Saturday regarding the "tone" of U.S. Vice President JD Vance's remarks, which suggested that Copenhagen had fallen short in its support for Greenland. This territory, rich in resources and strategically...
TroibNews 
Denmark expressed its displeasure on Saturday regarding the "tone" of U.S. Vice President JD Vance's remarks, which suggested that Copenhagen had fallen short in its support for Greenland. This territory, rich in resources and strategically significant, has been a point of interest for U.S. President Donald Trump.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated on X, "We are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it's being delivered." He emphasized that such communication is not appropriate among close allies, adding, "This is not how you speak to your close allies, and I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies."
Vance's comments came during a visit to the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, an area considered provocative by both Copenhagen and Nuuk. During a press conference, he remarked, "Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland." He further criticized Denmark for its lack of investment, stating, "You have under-invested in the people of Greenland and you have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass."
Trump has argued that the United States requires the vast Arctic island for both national and international security, even implying that he would consider the use of force to secure it. He said to reporters at the White House on Friday, "We are not talking about peace for the United States. We are talking about world peace. We are talking about international security."
When questioned about the possibility of using force, Vance reassured that the U.S. administration does not foresee such measures as necessary. He stated, "We think this makes sense and because we think the people of Greenland are rational and good, we think we're going to be able to cut a deal, Donald Trump-style, to ensure the security of this territory but also the United States of America."
In response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also challenged Vance's statements, asserting, "For many years, we have stood by the Americans in very difficult situations," referring to Danish military operations alongside U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. She concluded, "The Vice President's reference to Denmark is not accurate."
Vance was accompanied on his trip by his wife Usha, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and former Homeland Security Advisor Julia Nesheiwat, who is Waltz's spouse.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated on X, "We are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it's being delivered." He emphasized that such communication is not appropriate among close allies, adding, "This is not how you speak to your close allies, and I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies."
Vance's comments came during a visit to the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, an area considered provocative by both Copenhagen and Nuuk. During a press conference, he remarked, "Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland." He further criticized Denmark for its lack of investment, stating, "You have under-invested in the people of Greenland and you have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass."
Trump has argued that the United States requires the vast Arctic island for both national and international security, even implying that he would consider the use of force to secure it. He said to reporters at the White House on Friday, "We are not talking about peace for the United States. We are talking about world peace. We are talking about international security."
When questioned about the possibility of using force, Vance reassured that the U.S. administration does not foresee such measures as necessary. He stated, "We think this makes sense and because we think the people of Greenland are rational and good, we think we're going to be able to cut a deal, Donald Trump-style, to ensure the security of this territory but also the United States of America."
In response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also challenged Vance's statements, asserting, "For many years, we have stood by the Americans in very difficult situations," referring to Danish military operations alongside U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. She concluded, "The Vice President's reference to Denmark is not accurate."
Vance was accompanied on his trip by his wife Usha, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Utah Senator Mike Lee, and former Homeland Security Advisor Julia Nesheiwat, who is Waltz's spouse.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
