JD Vance has told Denmark it has "not done a good job" with Greenland during a visit to the territory - as President Donald Trump repeated his call for the US to take over the island.
Vice President Vance, his wife Usha and other senior US officials including embattled national security advisor Mike Waltz arrived at an American military base in Greenland, the semi-autonomous territory that has been a part of Denmark for more than 600 years.
"Our message to Denmark is very simple: you have not done a good job by the people of Greenland," Mr Vance said.
"You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people.
"We need to ensure that America is leading in the Arctic."
Vice President JD Vance, left, and second lady Usha Vance pose during a tour of Pituffik Space Base, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Greenland. (Jim Watson/Pool via AP).Shortly before Mr Vance spoke from Greenland on Friday, Mr Trump continued his threats of taking over the territory.
"We need Greenland, very importantly, for international security," he said.
"We have to have Greenland. It's not a question of you think we can do without it - we can't."
Deputy speaker of the Danish parliament Lars-Christian Brask told Sky News that Mr Vance was "not welcome" by Greenlanders on his visit.
"It's a NATO country demanding a piece of another NATO country, which is highly unusual and there is a lack of respect," he said.
'Denmark has not kept pace'
Vance's trip had been scaled back after locals were angered that the original itinerary was made without consulting them - particularly in light of Mr Trump's repeated claims that the US should control Greenland.
Speaking to soldiers at the US base, Mr Vance claimed Denmark - and Europe by extension - have failed to protect the region.
"This place, this base, this surrounding area, is less secure than it was 30-40 years ago, as some of our allies have not kept up," he said.
"Europe (has) not kept pace... with military spending, and Denmark has not kept pace in devoting the resources necessary to keep this base, to keep our troops, and in my view to keep the people of Greenland safe from a lot of aggressive incursions from Russia, China, and other nations."
Two Greenland flags and a sign that reads "Our land, Our future" are seen in front of the Inussuk statue, a sculpture marking the start of Self Governance, during a visit by US Vice President JD Vance in Nuuk Greenland, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/ Philip Crowther)Mr Vance said Mr Trump was "a president of peace", adding: "We respect the self-determination of Greenlanders, we believe in the self-determination of the population of Greenland."
Asked if plans have been drafted to use military force to take over Greenland, he indicated the White House planned to wait for the people of the territory to vote for self-determination before acting.
Greenland is the world's largest island, with a population of 57,000, and is also a founding member of NATO.
Reporting via IRN.
Main image: Vice President JD Vance, left, and second lady Usha Vance pose during a tour of Pituffik Space Base, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Greenland. (Jim Watson/Pool via AP).
