A tourist business in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, has canceled a planned visit by Usha Vance, wife of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, over concerns about a hidden agenda from the Trump administration.
Originally presented as a family trip to enjoy local culture and participate in the traditional dog sled race Avannaata Qimussersu, the visit sparked backlash when it was revealed that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz would accompany Usha Vance. This angered local leaders, including Greenland’s Prime Minister.
Tensions escalated further when JD Vance announced he would also join, joking that he didn’t want to miss “all the fun.” In response, Tupilak Travel, a souvenir shop where Usha Vance planned to stop, canceled her visit, stating:
“At first, we welcomed her, but after further review, we decided to cancel. We cannot accept this secret agenda and refuse to be part of a media spectacle. No, thank you. Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.”
As a result, Vance and his wife altered their plans, opting to visit the U.S. Space Force base in Pituffik on Greenland’s northwestern coast instead of attending local cultural events.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the decision “positive,” emphasizing that the Americans had limited their visit to the military base.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump reiterated his long-standing ambition to gain control of Greenland, stating:
“We need Greenland for international security. It is essential for us.”
In a video posted online, Vance defended his visit, saying he wanted to “see Greenland’s security up close” and that revitalizing defense there was “critical for global security.”
