JD Vance, Denmark trade barbs over Greenland as US VP tears into ‘bullying tactics’ of Washington’s ‘close ally’

JD Vance and Denmark had a disagreement after the Vice President of US President Donald Trump criticized the European nation in Copenhagen for insufficient efforts regarding Greenland amid America’s intentions to purchase the world’s largest island.

 While visiting the strategically significant and resource-abundant Arctic island, Vance urged the Danish citizens to “forge an agreement” with the United States, alleging that the nation has left Greenland vulnerable to probable intrusions from Russia and China.

He urged Greenlanders to sever their ties with Denmark, which has held the island for more than three hundred years, arguing that it has failed to make adequate investments to ensure the area’s level of autonomy. The US VP also minimized the dangers of forcibly seizing the island.

“You have under-invested in the people of Greenland and you have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass,” Vance stated in his tirade against Denmark during his visit to the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland.

Later, Denmark denounced the “tone” of Vance’s remarks as country’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen hit back at US VP, saying in a video message 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.”

“This is not how you speak to your close allies, and I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies,” he added.

In a statement, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized Vance’s comments, noting that they have assisted the Americans in very difficult situations for many years. She also highlighted the operations of Danish forces in Iraq and Afghanistan in conjunction with American troops.

Trump has consistently claimed that Greenland is vital to US national and international security, insisting that using military force to defend the island country is not a choice.