Greenland's outgoing Prime Minister has launched a furious attack on Donald Trump and his administration, accusing them of intensifying an "aggressive" push to take control of the territory as the US prepared to send a diplomatic delegation to the Arctic island. Mute Bourup Egede, leader of the Inuit Ataqatigiit party, was speaking as the country prepares for a change in leadership after its recent general election,
Express reports.
And he lashed out after it emerged that Usha Vance, wife of US Vice President JD Vance, will visit Greenland, currently a Danish protectorate, this week as part of a delegation that also reportedly includes Mr Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz. Mr Egede, speaking to the Semitsiaq newspaper, said: "The very aggressive American pressure on Greenlandic society is now so serious that the level cannot rise any higher. Standing together in Greenland has not helped, saying no has not helped, and diplomatic attempts at dialogue have been in vain. Now the international community must react."
The US delegation, led by Ms Vance, is expected to visit historic sites and learn about Greenlandic heritage.
According to a statement from her office, she will also attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race. She explained: "I’m also coming to celebrate the long history of mutual respect and cooperation between our nations, and to express hope that our relationship will only grow stronger in the coming years. I look forward to meeting many of you soon, and to learning from you about your beautiful land, culture and traditions. See you soon.”
Media reports in both Greenland and Denmark suggest Ms Vance will be accompanied by Mr Waltz, a key Trump ally.
The White House has so far refused to confirm his presence, but Mr Egede said such a visit would be a clear act of provocation.
Mr Egede said: "We are now at a level where this can in no way be characterised as a harmless visit from a politician’s wife.
"What is a national security adviser doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us, and the signal is impossible to misunderstand."
The uproar follows a series of incendiary remarks from Mr Trump and his top officials, which have raised fears in Greenland about the US administration’s long-term intentions.
Mr Trump, who first floated the idea of buying Greenland during his first term, has now repeatedly insisted that the US will ultimately take control of the island.
Mr Trump said: "I think we will have it," shortly after returning to the White House in January, claiming that Denmark was failing in its responsibilities.
Vice President Vance, defending Mr Trump’s position, has argued that the Danes were "not doing their job" and were "not being a good ally".
