Denmark’s Defence Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, has urged the United States to adopt a more measured tone when addressing security matters concerning Greenland, following comments made by US Vice President J.D. Vance during his visit to the Arctic island.
The exchange highlights growing sensitivities within the NATO alliance over security responsibilities in the High North, as well as the legacy of earlier statements by President Donald Trump regarding potential US acquisition of the territory.
In a statement published on X, Rasmussen acknowledged that criticism among allies is legitimate but warned that Washington’s rhetoric was straining ties. “We are, of course, open to criticism,” he wrote. “But we must be honest: we do not appreciate the tone in which it has been delivered. This is not how close allies speak to one another. And I still consider the United States and Denmark 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
Rasmussen’s comments came in response to Vance’s remarks made at Pituffik Space Base in north-western Greenland on 28 March, where he stated that while the United States would increase investment in regional security, there were no current plans to expand the US military presence on the island. Pituffik, formerly known as Thule Air Base, remains a critical installation for US missile warning and space surveillance operations.
Addressing questions about President Trump’s repeated suggestions that the United States should acquire Greenland — including his assertion, made again this week, that America “has to have” the territory — Vance rejected any suggestion of military action. “We do not think military force is ever going to be necessary,” he said. “What we think is going to happen is that the Greenlanders are going to choose, through self-determination, to become independent of Denmark, and then we’re going to have conversations with the people of Greenland from there.”
He also stressed that any changes in the island’s security arrangements would be undertaken in consultation with its government in Nuuk. “We hope that they choose to partner with the United States because we’re the only nation on earth that will respect their sovereignty and respect their security,” he said.
Nevertheless, Vance was critical of Copenhagen’s role in regional defence, stating: “The Danes have not done their job in keeping this area safe.” His comments drew a cautious response from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who rejected the criticism but avoided direct confrontation.
Rasmussen noted that Denmark recognises US interests in Arctic stability and pointed to the 1951 defence agreement as a suitable basis for further cooperation. “If that is what you want – let’s talk about it,” he said, referring to US ambitions in the region. “Denmark and Greenland are fully open to such a discussion. We can achieve a great deal within the framework we already have. Let us use it – and let us do it together.”
He also emphasised that Greenland is covered by NATO’s collective defence guarantees. “Let us not forget: Greenland is part of NATO. The alliance’s security guarantees cover Greenland,” Rasmussen said.
Earlier this month, Denmark announced a substantial increase in defence spending in the Arctic, including the deployment of additional personnel, vessels, and unmanned systems to strengthen its operational footprint in the region.
Vance’s trip had originally been planned as a cultural visit by Second Lady Usha Vance, with the Vice President, national security adviser Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright expected to stay in Washington. However, following backlash from officials in Nuuk and Copenhagen, and a perceived cool reception from Greenlandic authorities, the trip was revised to focus on security policy, with Vance taking part in the delegation.
During the visit, Vance received a military briefing and met with US personnel stationed at Pituffik. In lighter moments, he commented on the extreme conditions, noting: “It’s cold as s— here. Nobody told me.” He also referenced the base’s tradition of a polar plunge into Arctic waters, describing it as “a task of questionable sanity… accomplished despite near-freezing temperatures, the threat of collapsing icebergs and lusty seals.”
The visit comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for Vance, who is under pressure over his involvement in a private messaging group that allegedly included sensitive information on military operations. Speaking from Greenland, he said an update on the Trump administration’s internal investigation would follow “soon,” but that no dismissals were expected. “President Trump has said on Monday, on Tuesday, on Wednesday, on Thursday, and I’m the vice president saying it here on Friday, we are standing behind our entire national security team,” he said.
Despite Trump’s renewed public statements on Greenland’s strategic importance, recent political developments in Nuuk suggest there is little immediate appetite for independence. The Demokraatit party, which favours a gradual approach towards autonomy, won the March elections, and opinion polling indicates continued support among Greenland’s population of 57,000 for remaining within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The exchange between Washington and Copenhagen has once again brought Greenland into the spotlight as geopolitical competition intensifies in the Arctic. Both sides have indicated willingness to continue dialogue, though Danish officials are seeking assurances of mutual respect as part of any future security discussions.
Read also:
Trump’s Territorial Claims: A Comedy of Errors Opening Pandora’s Box
