Second Lady Usha Vance is proving to be more than just a supportive spouse in the public eye. With a strong professional background, she is actively embracing her role without overshadowing it. However, her approach under the Trump administration remains a subject of discussion.
Vance is set to travel to Greenland on Thursday with her young son as part of a U.S. delegation. This visit has stirred fresh diplomatic tensions, given President Donald Trump’s past remarks about acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory. Officials from both countries have expressed concerns about the trip’s implications.
The White House announced on Sunday that Vance’s visit aims to highlight Greenland’s history and cultural heritage. Her itinerary includes touring historical landmarks and attending the Avannaata Qimussersu, the country’s national dogsled race. The visit is being framed as a cultural exchange, with the delegation scheduled to return by Saturday.
In an Instagram video, Vance emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations but did not address the administration’s reported territorial interests. Meanwhile, Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute B. Egede voiced frustration over what he described as an “aggressive” diplomatic move. He urged the global community to take notice, arguing that this was no longer a routine political visit.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also expressed concerns, clarifying that neither Denmark nor Greenland had invited the U.S. delegation. The situation has been further complicated by the timing of the visit, which follows Greenland’s parliamentary elections. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of Greenland’s most popular party, criticized the visit as a sign of disrespect toward Greenland’s self-governance.
Adding to the controversy, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright are also traveling to Greenland, with Waltz expected to visit a U.S. military base on the island. This has heightened speculation about Washington’s strategic interest in the territory’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals—resources essential for advanced technology production.
Trump has repeatedly voiced his desire to acquire Greenland, citing national and international security concerns. In a recent congressional address, he stated, “We need Greenland for national security and even international security… and I think we’re going to get it one way or the other.” His remarks have fueled resistance, with recent polls indicating that most Greenlanders strongly oppose becoming part of the U.S.
Vice President JD Vance has also acknowledged Greenland’s economic value, specifically its mineral resources crucial for electric vehicle and smartphone production.
This is Usha Vance’s third overseas visit in her role as Second Lady. She previously visited Paris in February, India in March, and also traveled to Italy for the Special Olympics World Winter Games. However, her Greenland visit is drawing far more political attention than her previous diplomatic engagements.
