Greenland introduced a new coalition government on Friday, just hours ahead of a scheduled visit by US Vice President JD Vance. The visit comes amidst ongoing discussions initiated by President Donald Trump regarding potential US acquisition of the Arctic territory.
Democrats leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen will head the newly formed majority government. Nielsen previously called for unity among Greenland’s political parties, urging them to put aside differences and form a broad coalition in response to Trump’s interest in annexing the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
The Democrats, known for their pro-business stance and support for a gradual path to independence from Denmark, became the largest party after significantly increasing their representation to 10 seats in the general election held on March 11.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to annex Greenland since assuming office in January, highlighting its strategic significance for US national security interests—a proposition widely opposed by Greenland’s residents.
The strategically located territory is critical for the US ballistic missile warning system and already hosts a significant US military base.
The visiting US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance and including his wife Usha, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, was scheduled to arrive at Pituffik, a US base in northern Greenland, around 1530 GMT.
Original plans to visit the capital Nuuk and attend a prominent dog sled race were changed after they drew criticism from Greenlandic and Danish authorities.
