Danish international minister scolds Trump administration after Vance journey to Greenland
The Danish international minister scolded the Trump administration on Saturday for its “tone” criticizing Denmark and Greenland throughout U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s go to to the strategic island.
Vance – joined by spouse first girl Usha Vance, nationwide safety adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of Vitality Chris Wright and Sen. Mike Lee of Utah – on Friday visited the Pituffick House Base, the northernmost U.S. army set up, in Greenland. The journey had been scaled again after an uproar amongst Greenlanders and Danges who weren’t consulted concerning the unique itinerary. Whereas there, the vp blasted Denmark for its dealing with of the island, saying the U.S. base in Greenland is much less safe than it was a long time in the past due to Denmark’s stewardship.
JIM WATSON/POOL/AFP by way of Getty Photos
“There isn’t any quantity of bullying, no quantity of obfuscating, no quantity of complicated the difficulty,” Vance mentioned. “Our message to Denmark could be very easy: You haven’t achieved job by the folks of Greenland, you’ve gotten underinvested within the folks of Greenland, and you’ve got underinvested within the safety structure of this unimaginable, lovely landmass crammed with unimaginable folks. That has to alter. And since it hasn’t modified, that is why President Trump’s coverage in Greenland is what it’s.”
Mr. Trump has eyed the semi-autonomous Danish territory regardless of opposition from residents and leaders.
On Saturday, Danish Overseas Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen posted a video on social media scolding the Trump administration, saying his nation is already investing extra into Arctic safety and stays open to extra cooperation with the U.S.
“Many accusations and plenty of allegations have been made. And naturally, we’re open to criticism,” Rasmussen mentioned talking in English. “However let me be utterly trustworthy: we don’t respect the tone by which it’s being delivered. This isn’t the way you converse to your shut allies. And I nonetheless contemplate Denmark and the USA to be shut allies.”
Jim Watson / AP
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen additionally pushed again on Vance’s declare that Denmark is not doing sufficient for protection within the Arctic, calling her nation ” and robust ally.”
Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s international minister informed CBS Information she desires cooperation with the U.S., not domination.
“You simply do not take over. You converse and also you discuss. That is all politics is about,” she mentioned.
Danish King Frederik X posted on Fb: “We stay in an altered actuality. There must be little doubt that my love for Greenland and my connectedness to the folks of Greenland are intact.”
Tons of of protesters demonstrated Saturday outdoors the U.S. Embassy within the Danish capital Copenhagen with some lifting indicators saying, “again off, USA” Danish broadcaster TV2 reported.
Thomas Traasdahl / AP
Løkke Rasmussen, in his video, reminded viewers of the 1951 protection settlement between Denmark and the USA. Since 1945, the American army presence in Greenland has decreased from hundreds of troopers over 17 bases and installations on the island, he mentioned, to the distant Pituffik House Base within the northwest with some 200 troopers at this time.
The 1951 settlement “gives ample alternative for the USA to have a a lot stronger army presence in Greenland,” the international minister mentioned. “If that’s what you want, then allow us to talk about it.”
Løkke Rasmussen added that Denmark has elevated its personal funding into Arctic protection. In January, Denmark introduced 14.6 billion Danish kroner (US$2.1 billion) in monetary commitments for Arctic safety protecting three new naval vessels, long-range drones and satellites.
The second girl was initially scheduled to go to Greenland in an expanded cultural journey this week, after which the vp introduced Tuesday that he could be becoming a member of her for a shorter journey that was extra targeted on U.S. coverage and protection.
A current ballot reveals 85% of Greenlanders don’t wish to be a part of the USA.
