Washington, January 9 – US Vice President JD Vance delivered a stark message to European allies on Thursday, urging them to treat President Donald Trump’s comments on Greenland with the gravity they deserve. Speaking at a White House press conference, Vance emphasized that dismissing the remarks as mere rhetoric could undermine global security.
Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish control, holds unparalleled strategic value due to its Arctic location. Vance highlighted its role as a cornerstone of the global missile defense system, providing early warning capabilities essential for protecting the United States and its allies from emerging threats.
‘This isn’t just about America,’ Vance asserted. ‘Greenland’s position is critical for worldwide missile security. Hostile powers have shown deep interest in this region, and we can’t afford complacency.’
He directly addressed European skepticism over Trump’s past suggestions that the US might purchase the island, insisting that Washington will pursue the matter through diplomatic channels. ‘We’ll say some things privately and some publicly. That continues,’ Vance said, hinting at upcoming meetings between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Danish and Greenlandic leaders next week.
Vance criticized media and European critics for overreacting while ignoring the real dangers. He warned that if allies fail to bolster defenses in the area, the US may have no choice but to act unilaterally, though he left the specifics vague, deferring to Trump’s final authority.
The Vice President’s comments come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and resource opportunities, drawing attention from Russia, China, and others. For decades, Greenland’s Thule Air Base has been vital for US radar and surveillance operations.
As climate change reshapes the region, Vance’s intervention signals a renewed US push to secure its interests. European leaders now face pressure to respond, balancing sovereignty concerns with alliance obligations. Whether diplomacy prevails or tensions escalate remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the US views Greenland as non-negotiable for its security architecture.