'This isn't how you speak to your allies': Denmark says it 'doesn't appreciate tone' of Vance's Greenland criticism

29 March 2025, 10:49

Denmark's foreign minister has said that he doesn't appreciate the tone used by US vice-president JD Vance, after he accused them of not keeping Greenland safe from Russia and China.

Lars Lokke Rasmussen acknowledged the "many accusations" about Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark

"Of course, we are open to criticism, but let me be completely honest - we do not appreciate the tone in which it's being delivered," he said in a video statement.

"This is not how you speak to your close allies and I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies," Mr Rasmussen said.

Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his wish to take control of Greenland - the world's largest island - for "world peace". Mr Vance said during a visit on Friday that the US must be "more serious about the security of Greenland," while still respecting the residents' right to self-determination.

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Mr Vance said that Denmark had not done enough to protect Greenland from "very aggressive incursions from Russia, from China and from other nations."

He added: "Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland.

"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 touched down in Greenland on Friday and received an extremely frosty welcome from locals.

Speaking on Friday, Donald Trump claimed the US must control Greenland for “world peace” and if the country rejects American advances, he will “need to explain it to them.”

“We need Greenland. Very importantly, for international security, we have to have Greenland,” he said.

“If you look at Greenland right now, if you look at the waterways, you have Chinese and Russian ships all over the place, and we’re not going to be able to do that.

“We’re not relying on Denmark or anybody else to take care of that situation.

“And we’re not talking about peace for the United States. We’re talking about world peace. We’re talking about international security.”

Trump added: “Greenland’s very important for the peace of the world, not us the peace of the entire world, and I think, Denmark, understands it, I think the European Union, understands it.

“And if they don’t, we’re going to have to explain it to them.”

Vance refused to rule out the use of military force in Greenland.

He said: "We need to have more of a position in Greenland for the safety of the American people.

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"What we think is going to happen is Greenlanders are going to choose through self-determination to become independent of Denmark.

"I think talking about anything in the future is way too premature.

"We do not think military force is ever going to be necessary. We think this makes sense. We believe the people of Greenland are rational and good. We think we'll be able to cut a deal."

Vance added: "Our argument is not with the people of Greenland, our argument is with the leadership of Greenland which has underinvested in security architecture.

"Our message to Denmark is simple- you have not done a good job . that has to change. This is why President Trump's policy is what it is.

"If a missile was fired into the USA, it is the people here who would give notice to us and try shoot it down and prepare for it.

"We know Russia, China and other nations are taking massive interest in Arctic territories.

"We need to make sure we (USA) are leading in the Arctic.

"This is about ensuring the USA lead in the Arctic for the next generation.

"This place, this base, is less secure than it was 30 to 40 years ago as our allies haven't kept up. Our allies in Europe have not kept pace."

Vance went on to warn Europe that the US would no longer be the "piggy bank" of the World, as he called on America's allies to do more on security.

The people of Greenland recently elected a party fully against a US takeover.

US officials were said to have been left knocking on doors looking for people to meet the Second Lady following her arrival in Greenland earlier this week.

She and one of her sons were due to visit the Danish-controlled territory from Thursday to Saturday this week to see historic and cultural sites.

However, as Donald Trump continues to push for control of the island, Ms Vance appears to have been shunned by locals.

Plans to go to the popular Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut were cancelled, resulting in officials searching for people to meet her in the capital of Nuuk, according to Danish television station TV 2.

They are understood to have knocked on locals' doors but were told: "No, thank you."