US Vice President Vance to arrive in Greenland on scaled-back visit amid diplomatic tensions

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) – US Vice President JD Vance will arrive in Greenland on Friday for a scaled-back visit amid a diplomatic row with Denmark.

Vance's Air Force Two departed US at 1000GMT, with arrival expected at 1545GMT to the island, according to media reports.

Originally planned as a cultural excursion led by second lady Usha Vance to observe traditional dogsled races, the itinerary was revised to focus on security matters following backlash from officials from Greenland, Denmark and the EU.

The delegation, including National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, will now visit the US Space Force base at Pituffik on the northwest coast of the island instead and check out “what's going on with the security,” Vance said.

- Diplomatic fallout

Greenland's outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede had sharply criticized the initial plans, prompting Denmark to accuse Washington of "escalating tensions" and showing a"lack of respect."

The revised visit was seen as a compromise to avoid further protocol violations, with Denmark welcoming the scaled-back itinerary.

Since returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump has renewed calls for acquiring Greenland, calling it essential for US and global security and saying the US will “get it” “one way or the other.”