The United States needs Greenland for international security, President Donald Trump declared in a radio interview on Wednesday, just two days before Vice President JD Vance’s scheduled visit to the autonomous Danish territory.
During his interview with podcaster Vince Coglianese, President Trump emphasised that Greenland is essential from both a defensive and offensive standpoint.
"We need Greenland for international safety and security. We need it. We have to have it," Trump told podcaster Vince Coglianese. "I hate to put it that way, but we're going to have to have it."
Vice President JD Vance announced on Tuesday that he would accompany his wife, Usha Vance, on her planned visit to Greenland this Friday.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has previously stated that Usha Vance’s visit represents an “unacceptable pressure” on Denmark and Greenland.
JD Vance, known for his particularly harsh foreign policy positions, especially concerning European allies of the US, will visit the Pituffik Space Base, an American military installation dedicated to space operations.
Usha Vance had initially planned to attend a dog sled race in another location. However, the White House has since announced the cancellation of that trip, and she will now join her husband during the base visit.
JD Vance also stated that he would focus on “security” issues related to the vast Arctic island once on-site.
