Denmark has not “done a good job” of ensuring the security of Greenland; this was the judgement handed down by United States Vice-President J.D. Vance during his 28 March visit to the US base at Pituffik. Donald Trump‘s running mate also took the opportunity to announce his hope for the autonomous territory to come under US protection. For his part, Trump declared he would do whatever it takes to get his hands on the coveted territory – and its precious minerals.
Vance’s visit and remarks provoked an outcry on the boreal island. Only a few hours before Vance’s arrival, a very broad and resolutely anti-American coalition was formed in the Greenlandic parliament. The response of Greenland’s new Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, whose centre-leaning Democrats came out on top in the 11 March elections, was clear and direct: Greenlanders belong to no-one but themselves.
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