Denmark’s foreign minister has issued a strong public response to recent remarks made by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance regarding Greenland, calling the tone of his comments unacceptable for communication between allied nations.
Vice President Vance, speaking at a public event earlier this week, questioned Denmark’s stewardship of Greenland and suggested the U.S. could offer the autonomous Arctic territory greater economic and security advantages. His statements emphasized what he described as Greenland’s “untapped potential” and implied that closer alignment with the United States would be in the territory’s best interest.
In a sharp rebuttal, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen condemned the tone of Vance’s remarks, asserting that such rhetoric undermines diplomatic trust. He emphasized that Greenland is a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that its political future should not be treated as a subject for U.S. lobbying or public persuasion.
“This is not how close allies communicate,” Rasmussen stated during a press briefing, urging the U.S. to engage with Denmark through traditional diplomatic channels rather than through public pressure campaigns. He further noted that Denmark remains committed to maintaining a strong and cooperative transatlantic alliance, but expects mutual respect in return.
Greenland, which has its own parliament and significant autonomy, has been at the center of strategic interest for both the United States and European powers due to its natural resources and key location in the Arctic. Although Denmark retains control over foreign policy and defense, Greenland’s internal governance is largely independent.
Vance’s comments have sparked debate within the international community about the boundaries of alliance diplomacy and the implications of U.S. interest in the Arctic region. While the White House has not issued a formal clarification, insiders say discussions are ongoing to ensure the issue does not escalate into broader diplomatic friction.
The exchange comes amid rising geopolitical interest in the Arctic, with nations including Russia and China expanding their presence and investments. Both Denmark and the U.S. remain partners in Arctic defense and scientific cooperation, but this latest disagreement has placed a spotlight on how those ties are navigated in an evolving global landscape.