Usha Vance will be traveling to Greenland next week to attend a traditional dogsled race, but her appearance has triggered debate in the midst of Greenland’s local election season. The trip, while not officially sanctioned, comes after a series of statements from U.S. officials about the island’s strategic value.
The Avannaata Qimussersua dogsled competition will take place in Sisimiut on March 29. Vance is expected to arrive midweek. According to Danish news sources, she could be joined by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. The pair may also visit the U.S. air base located in northern Greenland.
Tensions have been heightened by recent remarks from President Donald Trump, who said that taking control of Greenland would serve U.S. interests. During a meeting with NATO’s top official, Trump referred to growing Chinese and Russian military presence in the Arctic.
Greenland’s capital Nuuk saw roughly 800 demonstrators protest the idea of U.S. annexation last week. Many residents are concerned about foreign influence as the country prepares for elections on April 1.
The mayor of Sisimiut confirmed he had been contacted by those arranging the visit but declined to meet during the election period. He indicated he would be open to dialogue after the vote.
Greenlandic member of Parliament Aaja Chemnitz criticized the U.S. visits, saying they undercut the island’s right to manage its own future without interference. She voiced her opposition publicly on social media.
Donald Trump Jr. made a similar trip to Greenland in January alongside Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk. Like Vance’s visit, that appearance was labeled private but received significant media attention.
U.S. involvement in Greenland’s cultural events has included past funding for the dogsled race from the consulate in Nuuk.
