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During a visit to the Pituffik Space Base on Friday, Vance told US troops that Denmark has ‘underinvested’ in Greenland’s security and demanded that Copenhagen change its approach.
Denmark’s foreign minister has scolded the Trump administration for its “tone” in criticising Denmark and Greenland, saying his country is investing more into Arctic security and remains open to more cooperation with the U.S.Lars Løkke Rasmussen made the remarks in a video posted to social media after a visit to Greenland on Friday by US Vice President, JD Vance.”Many accusations and many allegations have been made. And of course we are open to criticism,” Rasmussen said.”But let me be completely honest: we do not appreciate the tone in which it is 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.”In his video, Løkke Rasmussen reminded viewers of the 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the United States.Since 1945, the American military presence in Greenland has decreased from thousands of soldiers over 17 bases and installations on the island, he said, to the remote Pituffik Space Base in the northwest with some 200 soldiers today.The 1951 agreement “offers ample opportunity for the United States to have a much stronger military presence in Greenland,” the foreign minister said. “If that is what you wish, then let us discuss it.”Løkke Rasmussen added that Denmark has increased its own investment into Arctic defence.In January, Denmark announced 14.6 billion Danish kroner (€1.9 billion) in financial commitments for Arctic security covering three new naval vessels, long-range drones and satellites.Vance criticises DenmarkDuring his visit to the Pituffuk Space Base, Vance told US troops that Denmark has “underinvested” in Greenland’s security and demanded that Copenhagen change its approach as President Donald Trump continues to threaten to take over the semi-autonomous territory.Vance’s trip to Greenland, alongside his wife and other senior US officials, was scaled back after an uproar among Greenlanders and Danes who were not consulted about the original itinerary.”Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Vance said on Friday.”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 said the US has “no option” but to take a significant position to ensure the security of the island as he encouraged a push in Greenland for independence from Denmark.”I think that they ultimately will partner with the United States,” Vance said. “We could make them much more secure. We could do a lot more protection. And I think they’d fare a lot better economically as well.”But the reaction by members of Greenland’s parliament and residents has rendered that unlikely, with anger erupting over the Trump administration’s repeated threats to annex the vast Arctic island.Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pushed back on Vance’s claim that Denmark isn’t doing enough for defence in the Arctic, calling her country “a good and strong ally.”And in a further show of anger towards the Trump administration, hundreds of protesters demonstrated outside the US Embassy in Copenhagen on Saturday, with some holding signs saying, “Back off, USA.”
