Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has condemned US Vice President JD Vance’s remarks in Greenland, calling them provocative and disrespectful. In a two-minute video message shared Friday night, Lars Løkke Rasmussen urged the US to stop making hostile statements about Greenland. He emphasized that Denmark values respectful dialogue between allies and expects the same from the United States.

“Many accusations and allegations have been made. And of course, we are open to criticism,” Rasmussen stated. “But let me be completely honest: We do not appreciate the tone in which it is being delivered.” 

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Tensions Rise Over Greenland

Relations between the US and Denmark have soured since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and revived discussions about acquiring Greenland. Donald Trump had previously suggested annexing the self-governing island, administered by Denmark, and even hinted at using military force or economic pressure. His claims that the US would make Greenland “rich” were swiftly rejected by both Greenlandic and Danish officials, who maintained that “Greenland is not for sale.”

What JD Vance Said in Greenland

On Friday, US Vice President JD Vance visited the Pituffik Space Base, a US military installation in Greenland’s remote north. During his visit, he accused Denmark of failing to uphold Arctic security and told Greenlanders they would fare better under US protection than Denmark’s.

“If the United States takes over Greenland, we will help fend off threats from Russia and China,” JD Vance declared.

His comments sparked immediate backlash, prompting Rasmussen to issue a strong rebuttal. “This is not how you speak to your close allies,” he said. “And I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies.”

Denmark Open to Security Talks

Despite the tensions, Lars Løkke  Rasmussen acknowledged the US argument that a stronger military presence in Greenland is necessary. He signaled Denmark’s willingness to discuss Arctic security concerns.

“We—Denmark and Greenland—are very much open to discussing this with an open mind,” Rasmussen said. He highlighted the longstanding military cooperation between Denmark and the US and their shared NATO membership.

“The fact is that we have all been harvesting the peace dividend,” he noted. “We all acted on the assumption that the Arctic was and should be a low-tension area. But that time is over.”

As Arctic geopolitics evolve, Denmark and the US face critical discussions on regional security and their alliance’s future.