Usha Vance, spouse of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, is set to embark on a trip to Greenland on Thursday, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s ongoing interest in the potential U.S. annexation of the strategically significant, semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Accompanied by a U.S. delegation, she will explore historical landmarks, gain insights into the territory’s cultural heritage, and participate in the national dogsled race, as stated by the White House. The delegation is scheduled to return to the U.S. on March 29.
As part of the visit, White House national security advisor Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright will tour a U.S. military installation in Greenland, according to a U.S. official. The White House has not yet responded to inquiries for further information.
Since resuming office on January 20, Trump has prominently discussed the idea of annexing Greenland, citing its strategic position and abundant mineral resources as advantageous for the U.S. The territory is located along the most direct route between Europe and North America, which is crucial for the U.S. ballistic missile warning system.
See more: Putin and Trump may have spoken more than twice, Kremlin says
Both the governments of Greenland and Denmark have expressed their opposition to this proposal.
The Greenlandic government, currently in a caretaker phase following a March 11 general election won by a party advocating a gradual approach to independence from Denmark, has not provided comments on the matter.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen remarked in a written statement regarding the visit that “this is something we take seriously.” She emphasized Denmark’s desire for collaboration with the U.S., but insisted that it must adhere to “the fundamental rules of sovereignty.”
She further noted that discussions with the U.S. concerning Greenland will occur in close coordination with both the Danish government and the incoming Greenlandic administration.
