In a recent segment on Fox News hosted by Jesse Watters, Vice President JD Vance addressed ongoing discussions about Greenland’s strategic importance. The conversation arose amid concerns from the U.S. administration regarding Denmark’s management of the territory, which has been highlighted by President Donald Trump as a potential area for enhanced American involvement to bolster security.
Watters opened the discussion by asking Vance how far the administration is willing to go on the issue of Greenland. Vance responded that the final decision rests with the president, but emphasized Europe’s shortcomings in addressing the matter. “There’s been a lot of bellyaching from Europe, and Europe has failed to contend with the fundamental argument that the president and the entire administration have made,” Vance said.
Vance explained why Greenland matters, noting its critical role in missile defense systems. “Greenland is critical not just to our national security, but to world national security,” he stated. “The entire missile defense infrastructure is partially defense-dependent on Greenland. If God forbid the Russians or the Chinese—not saying they’re going to, but if God forbid in the future somebody launched a nuclear missile into our continent, they launch a nuclear missile at Europe—Greenland is a critical part of that missile defense.”
He criticized Denmark and Europe for underinvesting in the region’s security. “Have the Europeans, have the Danes done a proper job of securing and making sure it can continue to serve as an anchor for world security and missile defense? The answer is obviously they haven’t,” Vance continued. “They’ve underinvested in their security, haven’t done a good job securing that area of landmass.”
Vance dismissed arguments from European allies that rely on historical collaborations, such as joint efforts in World War II or the War on Terrorism. “We’re grateful for that. We love having these allies. But just because you did something smart 25 years ago doesn’t mean you can’t do something dumb now,” he remarked.
The vice president reiterated the administration’s position: “The President of the United States is saying very clearly: You are not doing a good job with respect to Greenland. We’re going to make sure we defend America’s interests.”
When Watters mentioned claims that Greenland is too cold for American soldiers and asked if the Danes or Representative Jasmine Crockett had made that statement, Vance replied, “Probably Crockett.” He added that Americans have performed well in cold environments, though he personally would not want to serve there, noting that the vice president’s residence is in Washington, D.C.
