JD Vance. Picture courtesy of AP

US Vice-President JD Vance has criticised Denmark and Europe's handling of Greenland, calling it "critical" for US and global defence against potential Russian or Chinese missile threats. Vance stated that Europe and Denmark have underinvested in Greenland's defence and failed to seriously consider Donald Trump's previous concerns. The White House confirmed ongoing discussions about potentially purchasing Greenland, alongside the controversial suggestion of military annexation.

Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, has been deemed essential due to its strategic location between North America and the Arctic, ideal for early missile warning systems. Despite its sparse population, its resources and geographical position have caught international interest. Denmark, a NATO ally, strongly opposes the US proposal, warning it would jeopardise the alliance. Both Greenland and Denmark affirm the island is not for sale.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans talks with Denmark next week. Meanwhile, European leaders released a statement supporting Denmark, emphasising that Arctic security must be a collaborative effort among NATO allies. The statement reiterated that Greenland's future lies with its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide its fate.

Vance emphasised Greenland's significance, saying its role in missile defence was crucial. He questioned Europe's commitment to securing Greenland for global security, suggesting it has been inadequate. The US already has military personnel stationed at Greenland’s Pituffik base, reflecting its longstanding strategic interest.

In Greenland, local sentiments vary. Aaja Chemnitz, a Danish parliament MP representing Greenland, sees the US moves as a "clear threat" but improbable. She believes the US will maintain pressure to gain control over time. Meanwhile, Aleqatsiaq Peary, a resident of Qaanaaq, expressed indifference, equating potential US ownership with existing Danish control. The melting sea ice affecting traditional hunting has underscored the impact of external governance on local livelihoods, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways

• Vance criticises EU and Denmark for under-investing in Greenland's defence.

• US discussions about buying Greenland arise, despite strong Danish and NATO opposition.

• Strategic interest stems from Greenland's resources and its missile defence importance.

Related stories:

Nato Alarm as Trump Weighs Military Grab of Greenland

Trump Draws Attention with Greenland Purchase Talks Again

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-09

 

 

There are some real bottom of the barrel garbage appointments that Tump made for this administration, and JD Vance may be perhaps the least qualified and the most ignorant among the members of this entire cabinet. He is certainly right up there with Hesgeth, Patel and Noem.

10 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

There are some real bottom of the barrel garbage appointments that Tump made for this administration, and JD Vance may be perhaps the least qualified and the most ignorant among the members of this entire cabinet. He is certainly right up there with Hesgeth, Patel and Noem.

Pam Bondi, too. She literally crawls up his ass.

What a stupid man !!!

Why as americans so afraid of everything and all ??

With all their guns....

Surely are a fearful patetic gang :-)

On 1/9/2026 at 3:31 AM, webfact said:

Vance stated that Europe and Denmark have underinvested in Greenland's defence and failed to seriously consider Donald Trump's previous concerns.

He's right about that. But seeing that the European NATO allies have been more accommodating with defense spending lately, what I don't get is the unnecessarily aggressive Trump administration rhetoric with regards to Greenland at this point - surely they'd be able to make a deal without resorting to threats.

It should be remembered that the US has by itself decreased its military presence in Greenland after the collapse of the Soviet Union.....

But don’t forget, these American threats and moves are effective when the point is to distract from the Epstein Files.

2 minutes ago, NewGuy said:

But don’t forget, these American threats and moves are effective when the point is to distract from the Epstein Files.

The Epstein files, the bad employment situation, etc...

3 hours ago, Caldera said:

He's right about that. But seeing that the European NATO allies have been more accommodating with defense spending lately, what I don't get is the unnecessarily aggressive Trump administration rhetoric with regards to Greenland at this point - surely they'd be able to make a deal without resorting to threats.

Indeed, there is a historic deal to be made. The EU should bite the bullet and give up Greenland, on the basis that Ukraine joins the EU and NATO.

Screw you, Vance! Shut up and get back on Donny boy's little snake that you seem to enjoy to ride on so much!

Equally as horrific as his master.

Pele Broberg, opposition leader in Greenland, is pushing for talks with the USA. Worth noting that not all Greenlanders approve of Denmark's role in it's former colony. Denmark's record in this regard, including the forced sterilisation of Inuit women up until 1953, has left an aura of resentment to this day.

6 hours ago, MikeandDow said:

What a stupid man !!!

Another one who have something to say about stupid people, and he is good at it

8 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

There are some real bottom of the barrel garbage appointments that Tump made for this administration, and JD Vance may be perhaps the least qualified and the most ignorant among the members of this entire cabinet. He is certainly right up there with Hesgeth, Patel and Noem.

The problem is they are all equally the pits deep abysmal. Yet quite in character for this sort of regime as seen the world over, normally outside developed countries.

The claim is also being made Russia or China might take Greenland. Fact is that only a short while ago they'd never have dared because it would have triggered a NATO response. Now they are sitting back laughing as the moronic scary-clown-in-chief destroys (amongst every other thing he's touched) the most successful and powerful and democratic alliance the world has ever seen. One that was once a beacon to Warsaw Pact countries.

As an aside it's quite symbolic that the name of the woman shot by ICE recently was Ms. Good. Says everything about the contemporary US.

Trump's Veep Vance (like the rest of the sycophants) obviously hasn't understood that the EU adapts quite efficiently and effectively to change and threats. Two dumb Yanks just too dumb for the country's good.

8 hours ago, BMW Overlander said:

Pam Bondi, too. She literally crawls up his ass.

literally.?

Whoa ...

7 hours ago, BusyB said:

The problem is they are all equally the pits deep abysmal. Yet quite in character for this sort of regime as seen the world over, normally outside developed countries.

The claim is also being made Russia or China might take Greenland. Fact is that only a short while ago they'd never have dared because it would have triggered a NATO response. Now they are sitting back laughing as the moronic scary-clown-in-chief destroys (amongst every other thing he's touched) the most successful and powerful and democratic alliance the world has ever seen. One that was once a beacon to Warsaw Pact countries.

As an aside it's quite symbolic that the name of the woman shot by ICE recently was Ms. Good. Says everything about the contemporary US.

Trump's Veep Vance (like the rest of the sycophants) obviously hasn't understood that the EU adapts quite efficiently and effectively to change and threats. Two dumb Yanks just too dumb for the country's good.

Please do not insult the dumb people of the world by equating them on any level with Trump or Vance, they have reinvented dumb, and brought it down to a new level. Dumb combined with highly dangerous.

10 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Pele Broberg, opposition leader in Greenland, is pushing for talks with the USA. Worth noting that not all Greenlanders approve of Denmark's role in it's former colony. Denmark's record in this regard, including the forced sterilisation of Inuit women up until 1953, has left an aura of resentment to this day.

The Greenland's official stand, is that their island is not for sale. If any change is coming, it would be a change towards independence. The Greenland internal government is clear on that point.

Denmark is doing a good job for the Greenland population, and they are quite happy with the way things are.

If security in the area is such a big problem for USA (which is a lie, there are not "many Russian and Chinese ships in the area", or any threats from those countries), then they are free to increase their military presence on the island. Problem solved.

The US threats are not wanted, and certainly not necessary. Europe stands by Denmark, and the freedom of Greenland to make their own decision for their future.

If USA go forward with this, that will be the end of NATO. Then Europe needs to make their own alliance of defence, together with countries like Canada, Australia, South Korea and Japan, without the US. Is that really what Trump and his bullies want?

17 hours ago, Caldera said:

He's right about that. But seeing that the European NATO allies have been more accommodating with defense spending lately, what I don't get is the unnecessarily aggressive Trump administration rhetoric with regards to Greenland at this point - surely they'd be able to make a deal without resorting to threats.

It is simply Trump's nature to be belligerent, nasty, hostile, aggressive, abusive, unfair, a bully, a snob, a pig, a junkyard dog, and a man lacking a single nanogram of grace or dignity.

He is an incredibly low life form and on many levels he inhabits the same arena as a predatory reptile.

The AMericans will have their chance to change this whole situation in the mid term elections in the country of USA.

Remember it was people who voted the Republicans into power and they can vote them all out.

How long do we have to wait fo the mid terms?

15 hours ago, sandyf said:

Indeed, there is a historic deal to be made. The EU should bite the bullet and give up Greenland, on the basis that Ukraine joins the EU and NATO.

There’s no deal to be made

The EU have Greenland and the EU will get Ukraine.

1 hour ago, Stargeezr said:

How long do we have to wait fo the mid terms?

There will be no mid-terms

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

It is simply Trump's nature to be belligerent, nasty, hostile, aggressive, abusive, unfair, a bully, a snob, a pig, a junkyard dog, and a man lacking a single nanogram of grace or dignity.

He is an incredibly low life form and on many levels he inhabits the same arena as a predatory reptile.

But you can trust a crocodile to a certain extent. No way in the world would you trust the grifter under any circumstances.

36 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

There will be no mid-terms

If Trump had his way there would never be another election again in America, and he would be president for life, his ones would inherit the kingdom, and he would appoint all senators and Republicans and governors.

But he's not going to have his way, he is declining in popularity, his reign is nearly over, the terror that he is inflicting is nearly done and this will simply be a tragic and sad footnote in American history very soon.

It looks to me like his current strategy is to stir up hate between left & right (he's succeeding) and encourage demonstrations bordering on civil war.

He will then declare a state of emergency, martial law and suspend elections.

There are a myriad of ways he can suspend elections, I'm sure he will attempt it.

20 hours ago, Olav Seglem said:

Why as americans so afraid of everything and all ??

With all their guns....

Surely are a fearful patetic gang :-)

It's about money,

17 hours ago, sandyf said:

Indeed, there is a historic deal to be made. The EU should bite the bullet and give up Greenland, on the basis that Ukraine joins the EU and NATO.

First of all, despite what rabid anti-EU partisans claim, the EU's authority over its member nations is limited. Greenland is not in the EU's sway to give away. Moreover, Denmark, which is still sovereign, is committed to letting Greenlanders decide for themselves what their national status should be. Maybe if the US offers serious bribe money to Greenlanders, and not what is currently on offer, they might persuade them to give up hopes of sovereignty.

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

There’s no deal to be made

The EU have Greenland and the EU will get Ukraine.

No chance

4 hours ago, thaibreaker said:

The Greenland's official stand, is that their island is not for sale. If any change is coming, it would be a change towards independence. The Greenland internal government is clear on that point.

Denmark is doing a good job for the Greenland population, and they are quite happy with the way things are.

If security in the area is such a big problem for USA (which is a lie, there are not "many Russian and Chinese ships in the area", or any threats from those countries), then they are free to increase their military presence on the island. Problem solved.

The US threats are not wanted, and certainly not necessary. Europe stands by Denmark, and the freedom of Greenland to make their own decision for their future.

If USA go forward with this, that will be the end of NATO. Then Europe needs to make their own alliance of defence, together with countries like Canada, Australia, South Korea and Japan, without the US. Is that really what Trump and his bullies want?

No.

6 minutes ago, Alan Zweibel said:

First of all, despite what rabid anti-EU partisans claim, the EU's authority over its member nations is limited. Greenland is not in the EU's sway to give away. Moreover, Denmark, which is still sovereign, is committed to letting Greenlanders decide for themselves what their national status should be. Maybe if the US offers serious bribe money to Greenlanders, and not what is currently on offer, they might persuade them to give up hopes of sovereignty.

First of all, I went back to the UK to vote against loosing my EU citizenship.

I doubt Trump can bribe Greenland. There would be more chance bribing Denmark and the EU with some carrot to influence Greenland.

Of course he can also do a Putin and that won't end well. Glad my time on this planet is coming to an end.