Vance Visits U.S. Base in Greenland as Trump Promotes Territory Acquisition: NPR

By
Joe Killer
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Vice President JD (at right), seated next to second lady Usha Vance, eats at a table with soldiers at the U.S. military's Pituffik Space Base on March 28 in Pituffik, Greenland.

Vice President JD (at right), seated alongside second lady Usha Vance, dines with soldiers at the U.S. military’s Pituffik Space Base on March 28 in Pituffik, Greenland.
Jim Watson/Pool/Getty Images)
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Jim Watson/Pool/Getty Images)

On Friday, Vice President JD Vance arrived at a U.S. military base in Greenland, amid rising unease about America’s intentions regarding this Danish territory.

“The president is very focused on Arctic security, as everyone is aware, and this will become increasingly important in the coming decades,” Vance addressed U.S. troops stationed at Pituffik Space Base.


Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance as seen at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, on Feb. 11, 2025.

Vance’s visit to the Danish territory included the second lady, Usha Vance, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and other officials.

The itinerary was actually reduced, following backlash from leaders in Greenland and Denmark over the U.S. not consulting them. Initial plans included a solo cultural trip for the second lady to Nuuk, the capital, and a dogsled race.

President Trump has expressed ongoing interest in acquiring the territory, highlighting its strategic importance due to the presence of Chinese and Russian warships in Greenland’s waterways, emphasizing its relevance to U.S. national security.


A musher walks alongside his Greenlandic sled dogs on March 8 after finishing a dog sled race to qualify for the national competition in Ilulissat, Greenland.

“We must have Greenland, as it is vital for our international security. It’s a necessity, not an option,” Trump stated on Friday. “We won’t depend on Denmark or any other country to manage that.”

Polls reveal that a significant majority of Greenlanders oppose the notion of joining the United States, and there have been vigorous protests in response, with demonstrators holding signs like “Yankees Go Home” and wearing caps that say “Make America Go Away.” Both Greenland and Denmark have reiterated that Greenland is not for sale.

This story will be updated.