US accuses Danish leaders of mistreating Greenlanders as 'second-class citizens' amid VP Vance's visit

US Vice President

JD Vance

and Second Lady

Usha Vance

visited Greenland on Friday, marking a significant trip to the Arctic region as the US reinforces its strategic presence. The couple will visit Pituffik Space Force Base, where Vance will receive a briefing on Arctic security and meet with US service members stationed there.
A senior White House official described the trip as a "historic expedition" that underscores the administration's focus on Arctic security.
WH alleges Danish leaders of mistreating Greenlandic people
Ahead of the visit, a White House official criticised Denmark's treatment of Greenland, alleging that the island's infrastructure has suffered from years of neglect.

"Danish leaders have spent decades mistreating the Greenlandic people, treating them like second-class citizens," the official said. "The Vice President will emphasize these points during his visit."
Usha Vance had initially planned to travel to Greenland alone for a cultural event, including a dog sledding race, but the trip was later expanded to include national security discussions after the Vice President decided to join.
Trump administration's Greenland push
The visit comes as US President Donald Trump continues to push for greater US control over Greenland, describing the island as vital to both national and international security.
"We need Greenland for security," Trump told reporters. "Denmark needs us to have Greenland, and if we don't, we can't ensure great international security."
Denmark currently provides around $700 million annually to Greenland, covering nearly half of its budget. However, following Trump's calls for US control over the territory, Denmark recently announced a $2 billion defense investment to bolster its military presence on the island.
The US has also offered billions to Greenland for resource development, particularly in rare Earth minerals, oil, and gas. However, mining efforts remain challenging, with 80% of the island covered by ice.
Global tensions over arctic control
Greenland's Prime Minister

Mute Egede

criticised Vance's visit, calling it "aggressive American pressure" and urging European leaders to resist US influence in the region.
Meanwhile, Arctic security remains a growing concern as China and Russia expand their presence with new nuclear submarines, icebreakers, and resource extraction projects. The Trump administration has positioned the

US Space Force

, established in 2019, as a key defense mechanism against these threats.