US Vice President J.D. Vance's comments on Denmark has not done enough for Greenland has invited the wrath of Copenhagen.
Danish foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen in a video post criticised Vance's remark and said that his country "don't appreciate the tone".
**[Also read | Why US delegation’s upcoming visit has angered Greenland leaders](https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2025/03/24/why-us-delegations-upcoming-visit-has-angered-greenland-leaders.html)**
"We are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it’s being delivered...This is not how you speak to your close allies," said Rasmussen.
Vance made his remarks on Friday during his trip to the Pituffik space base in north-western Greenland. The US delegates' visit led by Vance is seen as a "provocation" by both Greenland and Denmark amid Trump's desire to annex the semi-autonomous territory.
“Our message to Denmark is very simple: you have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” said Vance.
"You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and you have underinvested in the security architecture," he added.
In order to ensure the security of Greenland, the US has no option but to take a significant position in the territory, said Vance. Vance, during his visit, stressed Greenland's freedom from Denmark.
While hitting back at Vance's remarks, Denmark's PM Mette Frederiksen said the vice president's reference is not accurate. "For many years, we have stood by the Americans in very difficult situations,” said Frederiksen.
Vance was accompanied by his wife, Usha, national security adviser, Mike Waltz, the energy secretary, Chris Wright, Utah senator Mike Lee and former homeland security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.
The Pituffik base is an essential part of Washington’s missile defence infrastructure. Its location in the Arctic is of strategic importance in terms of air and submarine surveillance.
The majority of the Greenlanders are against US annexation. The territory's political leaders signed the coalition agreement on Friday saying, "Greenland belongs to us".
The incoming PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen also called for unity.