The Struggle for Greenland: Premier Accuses the US of Aggressive Pressure.

Greenland's Prime Minister Múte B. Egede criticized this week's visit by Second Lady Usha Vance to the Arctic island with a delegation of other American officials, calling it part of a 'very aggressive' campaign of pressure by the Trump administration aimed at seizing the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

'Until recently, we could safely rely on the Americans, who were our allies and friends, and with whom we happily collaborated closely,' Egede told the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq on Sunday. 'But that Time has passed, we must acknowledge this, as the new American leadership is completely indifferent to what we stood together for before, because now it is only about them intercepting our country over our heads,' writes The Hill.

'The very aggressive American pressure on Greenlandic society is now so serious that the level cannot be raised any higher. The only goal is to demonstrate power, and the message cannot be misunderstood,' he added.

President Trump has repeatedly emphasized his desire for the US to acquire the world's largest island for national security reasons. He intensified these calls after returning to office in January, despite opposition from both Danish and European officials.

'I think we will get it,' the president said during his address to a joint session of Congress on March 4. 'One way or another, we will get it.'

Rich in minerals, Greenland has been self-governed for decades but still depends on Denmark financially and in foreign policy matters. Greenlanders recently voted overwhelmingly for leaders who oppose American annexation and instead support a move towards full sovereignty, but it remains unclear when a vote on a broader separation issue will take place.

Dissatisfaction Over the Visit

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the center-right Demokraatit party in Greenland, which secured a majority in this month's parliamentary elections, and a supporter of the independence movement of the island, also reacted sharply to the visit.

'That the Americans know we are in the midst of coalition negotiations and haven’t even completed municipal elections, yet still choose this moment to visit Greenland, again shows a disrespect for the Greenlandic people,' Nielsen told Sermitsiaq.

Egede, who leads Inuit Ataqatigiit, the party that came in third in the elections, called on the country's leaders to act swiftly to reject American proposals, and for the island's allies to defend them more resolutely.

'We have tried all diplomatic and democratic options, but everything bounces off Donald Trump and his administration in their mission to take over and control Greenland,' he said. 'Thus, we must realize the seriousness of the situation and acknowledge that every minute counts to ensure the Americans' dream of annexing our country does not become a reality.'

Egede said that 'the constant pressure' from the US 'violates our rights as a people and our sovereignty.'

'Nothing has been achieved with the Trump administration,' he said. 'On the contrary, they are intensifying pressure every day, and now the international community, at least those we consider friends and allies, must intervene instead of making small indecisive statements of support.'

Visit of the US Delegation

The White House announced on Sunday that Vance will visit the North territory from Thursday to Saturday, 'to visit historical sites, learn about Greenlandic heritage, and participate in Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland's national dog sledding races.'

'Mrs. Vance and the delegation are excited to witness this remarkable race and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity,' the White House stated.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz are expected to join the Vice President's wife on the trip.

Egede is particularly unhappy with Waltz's participation.

'What is a national security advisor doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us,' Egede said in an interview with the newspaper. 'His presence in Greenland will undoubtedly fuel the American belief in Trump's mission—and the pressure will grow.'

National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated in his statement that the visit from high-ranking American officials 'should not come as a surprise.' Waltz and Wright will receive briefings from military personnel at the northernmost Department of Defense installation at the Pituffik space base, previously known as Thule Air Base.

'The US has undeniable security interests in the Arctic region,' Hughes said.

Hughes noted that this also 'represents an opportunity to develop a partnership that respects Greenland's self-determination and promotes economic cooperation.'

'This is a visit to learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people, and to attend the dog sledding races that the US is proud to sponsor—plain and simple,' he said.