In a controversial series of events, JD Vance, America’s most candid vice-president, has been caught in scandal and uproar. Vance’s recent forays provoking anger at home and abroad, most notably his uninvited trip to Greenland. This visit came at a time when President Trump was making headlines with his surprise announcement that the US was interested in annexing Greenland. The crisis has since ignited a firestorm of public criticism, both for the administration’s perceived motives—which many believe to be primarily financial—and for their diplomatic strategy.
President Trump has been vocal about Greenland’s significance for “world peace,” making repeated and inflammatory declarations regarding the US’s plans to annex the semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. His comments have raised alarm bells over potential unlawful collusion or conspiracy to obtain the land. The stated reason for these actions seems to be a naked grab at controlling Greenland’s mineral wealth. Unfortunately for Vice-President Vance, this time Greenland’s leaders and the Danish government made it very clear that he was not welcome. He demanded to go to the area regardless.
Tish’s Vance had big dreams for a bigger tour to other parts of Greenland. Yet, he suddenly ended them once he figured out that the few Greenlanders were not keen to talk with him. The trip did not involve even an overnight at a distant Arctic base. There, Vance was able to have extended discussions with a small contingent of American personnel. For many, the visit was viewed as a loud insult, warmongering and disrespectful provocation from the US towards Greenland and Denmark.
Things went from bad to worse when a security breach revealed some insulting and condescending remarks. JD Vance and Pete Hegseth joked about European allies in a Signal message group. This outrageous transgression has increased the shaming for Vance and Mike Waltz. Regardless, it does manage to shine a bright light on the Trump administration’s cavalier attitude toward the matter. Trump’s response to the scandal was to deny responsibility, belittle its significance, and attack the credibility of the journalists involved.
The administration’s actions have been viewed as undermining the “collective capacity to resist armed attack,” as outlined in the 1951 US-Denmark “Defence of Greenland” treaty. This treaty prioritizes cooperation and regional mutual defense, values that appear to be the opposite of what the US is currently promoting.
Recent election results in Greenland have shown a grassroots local movement for further self-rule or full independence from Denmark. This development, when viewed alongside an already strained diplomatic climate, makes US aspirations in the region more complicated than ever. Greenland’s population is making a determined move for greater independence. This desire to reclaim agency contradicts the forces outside of their communities that are seeking to dominate and control their land.