US VP Vance Takes Aim at Denmark Over Greenland's Security

Fri Feb 20 2026 05:11:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent interview, US Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark and Europe, claiming they have neglected the defense of Greenland, which he deems crucial for global security against threats from Russia and China.

US Vice President JD Vance has called out Denmark and Europe for their inadequate defense strategies concerning Greenland, emphasizing its strategic importance in global security. He believes that Greenland is critical for missile defense against threats from Russia and China. The US government is actively considering approaches to strengthen its hold on Greenland, including a potential purchase. However, Danish officials and European allies firmly state that Greenland is not for sale, reinforcing the sovereignty of the territory. Vance's remarks highlight the ongoing geopolitical tensions and growing interest in Greenland's natural resources due to climate change.

US Vice-President JD Vance says Greenland is critical for the defence of the US and the world against possible Russian or Chinese missile attacks - and that Europe and Denmark have not done a good job in securing the area.

Vance told Fox News that they had not only under-invested in Greenland's defences, but also failed to engage with President Donald Trump's argument over the issue.

US officials are actively discussing a potential offer to buy Greenland - a semi-autonomous Danish territory - the White House said on Wednesday, a day after suggesting military action to annex it to the US was also an option.

Denmark, a fellow Nato member, has warned this would spell the end of the alliance.

Both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly stressed the island is not for sale.

Despite being the most sparsely populated territory, Greenland's location between North America and the Arctic makes it well placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks, and for monitoring vessels in the region.

In recent years, there has also been increased interest in Greenland's natural resources - including rare earth minerals, uranium and iron - which are becoming easier to access as its ice melts due to climate change.

Concerns over the future of the territory resurfaced after Trump made an offer to buy the island in 2019, during his first presidential term, only to be told it was not for sale.

Aja Chemnitz, one of two MPs in the Danish parliament representing Greenland, told the BBC that the comments from the Trump administration were a clear threat. She deemed them disrespectful and expressed concern over the notion of annexation.