Second Lady Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, will travel to Greenland this week with her son and a US delegation, the White House announced, as per Bloomberg.
The visit comes as former President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric regarding the potential acquisition of the island by the United States.
The trip, scheduled from Thursday to Saturday, will include visits to historical sites and attendance at the Avannaata Qimussersua, Greenland’s national dog-sled race.
This visit follows a similar trip made by Donald Trump Jr. in January, which the former president’s son characterized as a personal visit without any official meetings.
“Ms. Vance and the delegation are excited to witness this monumental race and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity,” the White House said in a statement.
Trump has recently stated that the US needs Greenland for national security interests, expressing his expectation to acquire it “one way or the other” in a recent speech to Congress. His stance reflects a broader expansionist viewpoint, citing desires to control Canada, the Panama Canal, and Gaza.
Trump first considered acquiring Greenland during his initial term, but the idea was rejected by the Danish government, which has controlled Greenland since 1953, following a period as a Danish colony.
Public sentiment in Greenland appears largely opposed to becoming part of the US. A January poll indicated that approximately 85% of Greenlanders oppose the idea, although about half of those surveyed viewed Trump’s interest as a potential opportunity.
The latest news in your social feeds
Subscribe to our social media platforms to stay tuned