Greenland’s status must be determined by its residents.

• Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Greenland reaffirmed US President Donald Trump’s plan to assert control over the Arctic island.
 • The visit drew disapproval from Greenland’s local leaders and the Danish government, which retains sovereignty over the island.
 • The visit marked a new low in U.S.-Greenland relations, which have soured recently.
 • The U.S. has attempted to acquire Greenland several times, including in 1867, 1946, and Trump’s second term.
 • Greenland, once a Danish colony, was incorporated into Denmark in 1953 and gained autonomy in 1979.
 • The push for Greenland is rooted in geopolitical calculations, with the region becoming more accessible for navigation and resource extraction due to climate change.
 • The U.S. should respect the will of Greenlanders and ensure any change in the island’s status comes through democratic choices, not external pressure or geopolitical gamesmanship.