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US Delegation’s Greenland Visit Faces Setback as Local Business Cancels Engagement
A scheduled visit to Greenland by a US delegation, including JD Vance, has encountered opposition, with a prominent local business cancelling its planned event with the group. The move comes amidst rising unease among Greenland residents about the motivations behind the US officials’ trip to the island.
Local Business Expresses Concerns Over “Underlying Agenda”
Tupilak Travel, a business located in Nuuk, publicly announced on Wednesday their decision to cancel a planned meet-and-greet with Usha Vance. According to a Facebook post by Tupilak Travel, the US Consulate initially contacted them to arrange an event with Ms. Vance, described as a family trip involving her and one of her children to observe the annual dogsled competition. However, the business stated that upon learning of the inclusion of JD Vance and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz in the delegation, they communicated their disinterest in hosting the visit to the US Consulate.
Store Owner’s Statement on Visit Cancellation
The proprietor of the store explained their initial willingness to host, stating, “We replied that she would be welcome. Everyone is welcome in the store.” However, they continued, “After closer deliberation, we have now informed the consulate that we do not wish to proceed with her visit.”
The store owner further elaborated on their stance, asserting, “We cannot condone the underlying objectives and refuse to participate in the associated media attention that will inevitably accompany it. Our refusal of a ‘pleasant’ visit is clear… Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.”
Greenland Leadership Reacts to Expanded US Delegation
Reports indicate that Greenlandic leaders, including Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede, expressed displeasure upon learning that Mike Waltz and JD Vance would be joining the trip. This expanded delegation led to the cancellation of the Vances’ planned visit to the US Space Force outpost at Pituffik, situated on Greenland’s northwest coast. Usha Vance will also no longer attend the Avannaata Qimussersua dogsled race as initially intended.
Trump’s Renewed Interest in Greenland Acquisition Sparks Controversy
Former President Donald Trump has once again ignited discussions regarding the United States potentially acquiring Greenland, making statements that are likely to further inflame tensions with Denmark.
Trump Articulates Strategic Interest in Greenland
In remarks made on Wednesday, Mr. Trump indicated that Vance and the US delegation’s mission to the territory included “informing them of our need for Greenland for international safety and security.”
This recent statement appears to represent Mr. Trump’s most explicit articulation of the rationale underpinning the US interest in the visit and, more broadly, in Greenland itself.
Defensive and Offensive Posture Cited as Key Motivations
“It is an island that, from a defensive perspective, and even an offensive one, is something we require, particularly given the current global landscape, and we will need to secure it,” the former president asserted during an interview with conservative talk show host Vince Coglianese.
Mr. Trump further suggested that the desires of Greenland’s inhabitants regarding becoming US citizens were secondary to his strategic objectives: “I am uncertain if they are unwilling, but I believe that we must pursue this and persuade them,” he stated.