Greenland Welcomes U.S. Visit Limit to Military Base

Greenland and Denmark welcomed a White House decision to limit a planned U.S. visit to the Pituffik Space Base, after a scheduled appearance by U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance at a popular dog-sled race drew backlash and accusations of political pressure.

The U.S. initially announced that Vance would attend the race in Greenland, prompting strong criticism from Denmark’s Prime Minister, who called the move an “unacceptable pressure” tactic amid heightened tensions over President Donald Trump’s repeated interest in acquiring the island.

In response, the White House revised its plans, confirming that Vice President JD Vance would instead visit the U.S. military base in northern Greenland — and not engage in public events.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen welcomed the change, calling it a “clear de-escalation” and “very positive.”

Polls show overwhelming opposition among Greenlanders to any form of U.S. annexation. Protests had been planned in anticipation of the original visit, with demonstrators donning caps reading “Make America Go Away” and holding “Yankees Go Home” signs.

The controversy follows Donald Trump Jr.’s private visit to the mineral-rich island in January and renewed rhetoric from his father, President Trump, advocating for Greenland to join the U.S.