Danish PM's fury over US officials' visit to Greenland - as she vows to 'resist'

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said today that the US is putting 'unacceptable pressure' on her nation and Greenland, ahead of a trip to the semi-autonomous Danish territory this week by a high-profile US delegation.

The US visit, which runs from Thursday to Saturday, will be led by Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, and will include White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

'I have to say that it is unacceptable pressure being placed on Greenland and Denmark in this situation. And it is pressure that we will resist,' Frederiksen told TV2, adding: 'This is clearly not a visit that is about what Greenland needs or wants.'

Frederiksen said representatives from Greenland, the world's biggest island, were 'clear' that 'they do not want a visit right not, because they do not have a government, referring to the election on the island earlier this month. 

Brian Hughes, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said the delegation aimed to 'learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people.'

Frederiksen dismissed the idea of a private visit: 'You cannot make a private visit with official representatives from another country.'

Donald Trump first pitched the idea of the US taking over Greenland during his first time, but has in recent weeks refused to rule out using military or economic coercion to get his way. 

Trump even said he may call NATO in to help the US take over the island, telling the defense bloc's chief General Mark Rutte earlier this month: 'You know, Mark, we need that for international security. 

'We have a lot of our favourite players cruising around the coast, and we have to be careful. We'll be talking to you.'

He claimed it was an 'absolute necessity' for his nation's security. 

But Greenland's leaders have condemned Trump's claims. 

The island's outgoing prime minister, Múte Bourup Egede, said: 'What is the security advisor doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to show a demonstration of power to us.'

Its likely next leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, accused the US of refusing to show the people of the island proper respect. 

Greenland has been a part of Denmark for around 300 years, and there have long been tensions between the island and the Nordic nation. 

Though recent polls revealed nearly 80% of Greenlanders want independence from Denmark, an even higher proportion rejected the idea that the island ought to be a part of the US.  

More to follow.