JD Vance jets in as Greenland’s new leader calls for unity against Trump’s coercion
"It is very important that we put aside our disagreements and differences," says Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
Em - News Moderator Greenland’s newly elected center-right Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen urged government unity on Friday to withstand the duress coming from the United States.
“It is very important that we put aside our disagreements and differences … because only in this way will we be able to cope with the heavy pressure we are exposed to from outside,” Nielsen said, shortly before U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s arrival in the country.
Greenland’s political leaders announced a new coalition government on Friday, uniting four of the five parties in its legislature. Nielsen’s center-right Democrats triumphed in the March 11 election.
The new government takes office at a pivotal moment, with U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly threatening to seize the Arctic island and refusing to rule out using military force or economic coercion to snare it.
Greenland has been a self-ruling Danish territory for decades, and contains vast reserves of critical minerals while occupying a key strategic location in the Arctic.
Vance is expected to arrive imminently with a U.S. delegation that includes his wife Usha Vance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Greenland’s new government Friday, pointedly emphasizing the EU’s commitment.
“You deserve partners who respect you and treat you as equals. And the European Union is proud to be such a partner for you,” von der Leyen said.
