Second lady Usha Vance and other United States officials have announced a trip to Greenland as President Donald Trump has set his sights on the island.
Vance is set to depart for Greenland on Thursday with a U.S. delegation, including national security adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright; they are scheduled to return on Saturday. There, the delegation will “visit historical sites, learn about Greenlandic heritage,” and attend Greenland’s annual dogsled race, the Avannaata Qimussersu.
“The race brings together approximately 37 mushers and 444 dogs in a remarkable display of speed, skill, and teamwork. Ms. Vance and the delegation are excited to witness this monumental race and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity,” a statement from the White House read.
Two U.S. officials told the New York Times that Waltz is expected to tour Pituffik Space Base, the U.S. military base on the island.
The charm offensive has been paired with veiled threats from Washington, with Trump repeatedly insisting the U.S. will obtain the world’s largest island “one way or the other.”
Though Trump floated the idea of acquiring Greenland during his first term, he has made more of a sustained effort to acquire it during his second. He reaffirmed his desire during his first address to Congress earlier this month.
WHAT HAPPENED THE PREVIOUS THREE TIMES THE US ATTEMPTED TO ACQUIRE GREENLAND
“We need Greenland for national security and even international security, and we’re working with everybody involved to try and get it,” he said.
The U.S. occupied and developed Greenland during World War II and undertook serious efforts to purchase it from Denmark in 1867, 1910, and 1946.
