Denmark Scolds Trump Administration Over Criticism of Greenland Security

The Danish foreign minister on Saturday scolded the Trump administration for its “tone” in criticizing Denmark and Greenland, saying his country is already investing more into Arctic security and remains open to more cooperation with the U.S.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, made the remarks in a video posted to social media after U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to the strategic island.

“Many accusations and many allegations have been made. And of course we are open to criticism,” Rasmussen said speaking in English. “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.”

Dear American friends.

We agree that status quo in the Artcic is not an option.

So let’s talk about how we can fix it – together.

Lars Løkke Rasmussen
Danish Foreign Minister pic.twitter.com/vQrcUP7cwi

— Lars Løkke Rasmussen (@larsloekke) March 28, 2025

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US Vice President’s Visit to Greenland

Vance on Friday said Denmark has “underinvested” in Greenland’s security and demanded that Denmark change its approach as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes to take over the Danish territory.

Vance visited U.S. troops on Pituffik Space Base on mineral-rich Greenland alongside his wife and other senior U.S. officials for a trip that was ultimately 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 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.”

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Frosty welcome for U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Greenland

Trump’s Bid to Annex Greenland

Trump on Friday released a video on his social networking site Truth Social entitled “America Stands With Greenland,” showing footage of U.S. troops there during World War II.

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In Greenland, Vance said the U.S. 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.

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“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.”

The reaction by members of Greenland’s parliament and residents has rendered that unlikely, with anger erupting over the Trump administration’s attempts to annex the vast Arctic island. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pushed back on Vance’s claim that Denmark isn’t doing enough for defense in the Arctic, calling her country “a good and strong ally.”

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‘Provocation’: Greenland slams planned visit by US Second Lady Usha Vance, Trump officials

Greenland’s Response

And Greenlandic lawmakers on Thursday agreed to form a new government, banding together to resist Trump’s overtures. Four of the five parties elected to Greenland’s parliament earlier this month have agreed to form a coalition that will have 23 of 31 seats in the legislature.

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Protests in Denmark

The following day, Danish King Frederik X posted on Facebook: “We live in an altered reality. There should be no doubt that my love for Greenland and my connectedness to the people of Greenland are intact.”

Hundreds of protesters demonstrated Saturday outside the U.S. Embassy in the Danish capital Copenhagen with some lifting signs saying, “back off, USA” Danish broadcaster TV2 reported.

People protest against the American pressure taking place against Greenland and Denmark, in front of the American Embassy in Copenhagen on March 29, 2025.

NILS MEILVANG/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images

Impact on Greenland’s National Dogsled Race

Even Greenland’s national dogsled race – Avannaata Qimussersu – which kicked off Saturday with some 37 mushers and 444 dogs was not left unaffected.

Usha Vance, the vice president’s wife, who was originally scheduled to attend the race opted out when her husband decided to join the trip and visit the military base instead, reducing the likelihood that they would cross paths with Greenlanders.

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Denmark’s Investment in Arctic Defense

Løkke Rasmussen, in his video, reminded viewers of the 1951 defense 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