Vance Tells Europe to “Take Trump Seriously” on Greenland

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance made headlines by delivering a pointed message to European leaders and Denmark regarding Greenland’s security and geopolitical importance. At a White House press briefing, Vance said European and Danish officials should “take the President of the United States seriously” when it comes to discussions about Greenland’s future and strategic value. His comments came amid renewed interest from President Donald Trump in possibly bringing Greenland under stronger U.S. influence.

Vance emphasised that Greenland’s location is critical — particularly for missile defence and Arctic security — citing risks from China and Russia and urging Europe to do more to protect the territory. He suggested that if European allies neglect Greenland’s defence, the United States may feel compelled to take action, leaving the exact nature of that action open to “the President.”

Denmark and Europe Under Pressure, and Vance Says They Should Feel it

In his remarks, Vance explicitly criticised Denmark’s investment in Greenland’s security, implying the country had not devoted sufficient resources to protect the island and its people from foreign threats. He framed the situation as a collective responsibility for NATO members and European partners, adding pressure on allies who have traditionally managed Greenland’s defence and foreign policy.

The push to “take the President seriously” followed months of tension over Trump’s public statements that the U.S. “needs Greenland” for global security, language that raised eyebrows among NATO partners and Nordic governments. Trump has reiterated the importance of the island for defence infrastructure — including potential missile defence — which Vance echoed in his appeal to Europeans.

Diplomatic Fallout and Mixed Reactions

Vance’s comments were met with diplomatic unease and public reactions from across Europe and Greenland. Denmark and Greenland officials have repeatedly stated that Greenland is not for sale and emphasised the island’s right to self-determination. While dialogue continues — including scheduled talks between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Danish and Greenlandic leaders — Vance’s remarks underscored rising tensions about the Arctic’s future.

Critics of the Trump administration’s rhetoric say pressing an ally like Denmark and speaking publicly about possible U.S. action can strain relationships and fuel suspicion about American intentions. In Greenland itself, many residents have expressed discomfort with the idea of any form of U.S. takeover or heavy-handed influence, even as some local politicians suggest exploring new diplomatic avenues separate from Denmark.

Meanwhile, supporters of Vance’s stance argue that the Arctic region’s strategic significance — from climate change to military positioning — requires strong defensive planning and collective action, not complacency. This reflects broader debates on how Western powers manage emerging geopolitical hotspots in the face of great-power competition.

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