Vance Tells Greenlanders They'd be Better Under U.S. Rule

What Happened?

Vice President JD Vance informed the people of Greenland during his trip that they would be better off being part of the United States than Denmark.

Those remarks were made by Vance during his island visit Friday to the Pituffik military space base that the U.S. occupies on the northwestern coast.

In a speech from the U.S. base, Vance said the U.S. is not likely to use military force in President Donald Trump’s pursuit of taking over the territory.

Vance added that the U.S. respects Greenland’s sovereignty, despite Trump’s renewed remarks that have sparked criticism among allies.

'What we think is going to happen is that the Greenlanders are going to choose, through self-determination, to become independent of Denmark,' Vance said. 'And then we’re going to have conversations with the people of Greenland from there.'

Vance focused attention on Denmark’s security responsibility for Greenland, stating that the Danes 'have not done their job in keeping this area safe.'

'We hope that they choose to partner with the United States because we’re the only nation on earth that will respect their sovereignty and respect their security,' he added.

Why it Matters

Vance's visit comes a day after rhetoric from President Trump had prompted concern that the U.S. is willing to 'go as far as we have to go' for control.

'We need Greenland for national security and international security,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office last week. 'We need Greenland. And the world needs us to have Greenland, including Denmark. Denmark has to have us have Greenland.'

Vance had suggested online before his trip that global security is at stake.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen reportedly called Trump's statements an escalation and did not suit him concerning a close ally.

The Pituffik military space base reportedly is a critical front line in missile defense, missile warning, and space surveillance.

Greenland and the Panama Canal have been big targets for Trump as he ensures the motives are for economic security.

Another area of focus is Greenland's oil, natural gas, and large deposits of rare earth minerals.

But almost all Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the U.S., according to opinion polls.

Recent protests also highlighted that position for residents.

How it Affects You

France and German officials had previously warned against threats toward Greenland.

Denmark, a long-time U.S. ally that controls Greenland, has stated the territory is not for sale.

Residents of Greenland are now reportedly speaking up as control over the island has intensified.

The Trump administration could still invoke tariffs and extreme measures should Denmark refuse to sell.

A lot could be at stake amid a key ally relationship if Greenland and the U.S. are unable to come to terms.