Vice President JD Vance and a group of senior U.S. officials visited a military base in Greenland on Friday. This trip comes as President Trump emphasized the urgent need for the United States to acquire the island, which has been under Danish control since 1721.
In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump expressed his strong desire for Greenland, stating, “We have to have Greenland. It’s not a question of, ‘Do you think we can do without it?’ We can’t.” His comments reflect a renewed interest in the strategic and resource-rich territory.
Joining Vice President Vance on this one-day trip were Usha Vance, the second lady; Chris Wright, the Secretary of Energy; Michael Waltz, the national security adviser; and Senator Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah. The group began their visit by having lunch with military personnel stationed at the base, where they also received briefings about the region’s security.
Upon arrival, the officials were greeted by frigid temperatures of minus 3 degrees Fahrenheit. Vance lightened the mood by joking about the unexpected cold, saying, “Nobody told me,” which drew laughter from those present.
This visit underscores the U.S. government’s focus on Greenland and its significance in terms of national security and energy resources. The discussions and briefings during the trip are likely to shape future U.S. policy regarding the island.