Vice President Vance’s recent remarks while speaking at the Pituffik Space Base provided some rare reassurance: he acknowledged Greenland’s right to self-determination and made it clear that the United States would not forcibly annex the territory. That’s a crucial point, and credit where it’s due — Vance’s attempt to clarify that position was wise and necessary. The idea of forcibly annexing a sovereign territory isn’t just un-American — it’s downright reckless. However, let’s not kid ourselves. The damage is already done, and Vance’s words are like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.

Greenlanders are still marching around with “Make America Go Away” caps and waving signs that say “Yankees, Go Home.” The reason they’re doing that is simple: Trump’s past remarks on the matter were as tactless as they were arrogant. The president’s bold and blustery attitude has all but sunk any chance of a cordial or strategic relationship with Greenland. And let’s be honest — the odds of them wanting to join the United States were slim to none to begin with. Greenlanders have a distinct cultural identity and a long history of autonomy. They’re not sitting around dreaming of becoming the 51st state.

Trump’s Bluster Blew It

Remember when Trump publicly floated the idea of buying Greenland and then threw a fit when Denmark said it wasn’t for sale? It wasn’t just tone-deaf; it was borderline imperialist. You’d think he was trying to scoop up a plot of land in Atlantic City. Even worse, he insinuated that annexation might not be off the table, crossing a line that Greenlanders and Danes found deeply offensive. The whole spectacle made it look like the U.S. thought of Greenland as nothing more than a piece of prime Arctic real estate.

Let’s not forget that Trump has a bit of a history with real estate deals — but countries and territories aren’t golf resorts. You can’t just slap a “For Sale” sign on Greenland and expect everyone to play along. The idea that the United States might forcefully annex Greenland was not just preposterous but outright dangerous. It fed right into the worst fears that smaller nations and territories have about dealing with global superpowers: that they might lose their sovereignty at the drop of a hat.

If Trump had any hope of fostering a positive relationship, he should have taken a drastically different approach. Instead of publicly declaring his desire to buy Greenland like it was beachfront property, he should have prioritized private, respectful conversations with Danish and Greenlandic leaders. Sitting down behind closed doors, discussing mutual interests, and expressing concerns diplomatically — that’s how you build alliances and partnerships. Instead, he went full steam ahead and managed to alienate practically the entire population of Greenland.

Handling Concerns the Right Way

Now, I’m not saying that Vance’s criticism of Denmark’s stewardship of Greenland was entirely off-base. In fact, he had a point. There’s been legitimate frustration within Greenland about the way Denmark has managed infrastructure and security, and it’s no secret that Greenland has felt neglected at times. Vance said, “You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change.”

He’s not wrong. There’s room for improvement. But here’s the kicker — even if those criticisms are accurate, they should have been addressed privately and constructively, rather than airing grievances in front of the world. Publicly scolding Denmark like an angry school principal is a surefire way to make sure nobody listens to your point — even if it’s valid.

What should have happened was a thoughtful, respectful conversation behind closed doors, where American and Danish leaders could discuss their shared concerns and offer constructive suggestions for improvement. That way, the U.S. could have been seen as a supportive ally rather than a scolding parent. Instead, we chose to make a scene, and now the people of Greenland — who might have been open to increased cooperation — are on the defensive.

Greenland Deserves Respect

We’ve got to remember that Greenland is not just some neglected piece of real estate waiting to be “rescued” by the U.S. It’s a proud, culturally rich land with its own identity and a deep connection to its Inuit heritage. If they don’t want to be part of Denmark or the United States, that’s their right. Respecting that autonomy is foundational to the principles America is supposed to stand for.

The United States prides itself on being a champion of freedom and self-determination. Yet, when we start acting like we’re entitled to another country’s territory — even if it’s just rhetoric — it makes us look hypocritical and heavy-handed. Trump’s attitude of “We have to have Greenland” only serves to alienate people, not bring them closer. Instead of forcing the issue, we should build on our existing partnership and prove that we’re a reliable friend, not a domineering force.

Salvaging the Situation

To repair this mess, the administration needs to start with an apology. That doesn’t mean groveling — it means acknowledging that the rhetoric was inappropriate and expressing a commitment to working respectfully with Greenland and Denmark moving forward. The U.S. should make it clear that we respect Greenland’s autonomy and want to support their development and security as equals, not as an overlord swooping in to save the day.

We don’t need to own Greenland to have a strategic partnership with them. We already have a strong military presence at Pituffik Space Base and maintain cooperative security arrangements. Instead of talking about annexation or acquisition, let’s focus on building joint projects that benefit Greenlanders, such as infrastructure development, environmental protection, and research collaborations. These practical and beneficial partnerships will do far more to strengthen ties than any bluster about ownership ever could.

A Strategic Partnership, Not Ownership

If the people of Greenland don’t want to be part of the United States — and it’s pretty clear they don’t — we have to respect that. Just as we wouldn’t want a foreign power barging in and claiming parts of America, we shouldn’t expect other territories to jump at the chance to join us just because we think it’s a good idea.

The last thing we should do is strong-arm or patronize them. Instead, we should respect their autonomy and seek a strategic partnership that mutually benefits both nations. Instead of eyeing Greenland like a prize to be won, let’s approach them with respect, humility, and a willingness to work together on common goals.

The United States doesn’t need to expand its borders to ensure its security. What we do need are allies and partners who trust us and feel respected by us. That’s how you build real partnerships — not with threats, not with insults, and definitely not with arrogant demands. It’s high time we put respect and diplomacy back on the table and prove that America is not just powerful, but principled and respectful, too.