Donald Trump vs Mute Egede: Why is Greenland Opposing Usha Vance's Visit? | Developments So Far

Nuuk: US Second Lady Usha Vance along with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz will be visiting Greenland this week amid strong opposition from the island's Prime Minister Mute Egede and his interim government. This visit comes amid US President Donald Trump 's repetitive calls for a possible US takeover. 

Why is Greenland not in favour of JD Vance's wife visiting the island and what are the Prime Minister's reservations, read to know the developments so far in the US-Greenland Conflict…

Also Read: Why is World's Largest Island Greenland Important to Trump? How Will It Benefit US?

Usha Vance To Visit Greenland with NSA Mike Waltz This Week

Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, is set to visit Greenland amidst President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the US should take control of the self-governing, mineral-rich territory, which is an ally of Denmark. According to her office, Vance will depart on Thursday and return on Saturday. 

During her trip, Usha Vance, who will be accompanied by one of her three children, will take part in the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland's premier dogsled race, which will feature approximately 37 mushers and 444 dogs. According to a statement, Vance and the US delegation are looking forward to experiencing this significant event and celebrating Greenlandic culture and unity.

As per Greenlandic and Danish media reports, Vance will be accompanied by Mike Waltz, the National Security Adviser to Trump. The White House and the National Security Council have yet to provide a response to requests for comment. Trump has also said that it is highly likely that Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State will also visit Greenland.

Also Read: 'Greenland Is Ours': PM Egede Rejects Trump's Offer to Be Part of US

Donald Trump vs Mute Egede: Why is Greenland Opposing Vance's Visit?

US President Donald Trump has been interested in buying Greenland, the world's largest island, ever since his first presidential term. Back then, his interest was put down by Denmark, who said that the island was not for sale. Days after assuming duties as the US President for the second time, Trump reiterated his wish to takeover Greenland. Trump had said, “I think we are going to have it; I think Greenland we'll get because it has to do with freedom of the world.”

While on one hand, the Donald Trump has been repeatedly calling for a US takeover of the world's largest island, the Prime Minister of Greenland, Mute Egede has been constantly denouncing Trump's remarks and maintaining that the island is not for sale. 

Also Read: Danish Citizens Launch ‘Buy California’ Campaign In Response To Trump's Greenland Ambitions

Recently, during a meeting with General Mark Rutte, the NATO Secretary, Trump said that Denmark and Greenland are very far away from each other and it is unlikely that the country still has a right to claim the island. He said, “A boat landed there 200 years ago or something. And they say they have rights to it. I don’t know if that’s true. I don’t think it is, actually.” Responding to this, a joint statement was issued by all five parties in the Greenland Parliament, outrightly rejecting Trump's remarks.

Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede has also questioned Mike Waltz's reported presence in the US delegation visiting the island along with the US Vice President's wife Usha Vance. Calling the visit “highly aggressive”, the Greenland Prime Minister further said, “What is the national security adviser doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us. His mere presence in Greenland will no doubt fuel American belief in Trump’s mission - and the pressure will increase.”

Trump has claimed that Greenland has responded positively to the US visit to the island and also their interest in taking it over. Calling it “friendliness, not provocation”, Trump asserted, “They’re calling us. We’re not calling them. And we were invited over there. We’re dealing with a lot of people from Greenland that would like to see something happen with respect to them being properly protected and properly taken care of. I think Greenland is going to be something that maybe is in our future.”

(Inputs from AP)