JD Vance makes 'embarrassing' comment on Greenland visit

JD Vance has once again found himself at the center of controversy, with social media users slamming his latest public misstep during a visit to Greenland. The vice president’s attempt at humor upon arriving at a U.S. military base has been widely criticized, adding to his growing list of diplomatic blunders.

The 40-year-old Republican touched down at Pituffik, a remote U.S. military base in northwestern Greenland, earlier this week. But instead of making a strong diplomatic impression, he immediately angered many with what was meant to be a lighthearted remark.

Upon stepping into the freezing conditions, Vance was caught on camera bluntly stating: “It’s cold as s**t here.” The comment, which quickly went viral, has been met with widespread criticism, with many calling it an embarrassing display of American diplomacy.

This latest gaffe comes amid renewed tensions over President Donald Trump’s long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland. While Trump has only been back in office since January, the 78-year-old has repeatedly insisted that Greenland is essential for U.S. security.

With growing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, Trump has argued that if Russia were to launch nuclear weapons toward the U.S., the shortest trajectory would be via the North Pole and Greenland.

During a recent speech to Congress, Trump reaffirmed his belief that acquiring Greenland was crucial for both national and international security. However, he also acknowledged the right of the Greenlandic people to determine their own future, adding, “If you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America.”

Despite Trump’s assurances, Greenland’s acting Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has made it clear that his country is not interested in U.S. rule. He went as far as to condemn Vance’s visit, emphasizing that the Greenlandic government had not extended any invitation—neither private nor official—to the vice president.

“Just for the record, the government of Greenland has not extended any invitations for any visits, neither private nor official,” Egede stated.

With tensions already high, Vance’s offhand remark only reinforced the perception that the U.S. is out of touch with Greenland’s stance. This was not the first time the vice president had been criticized for his conduct—he recently came under fire for an “embarrassing” exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a White House meeting.

Following his latest misstep, social media users wasted no time expressing their frustration.

“This is getting so embarrassing for our country. Our reputation may never recover. Now we’re exporting our bro culture in a way that makes us seem as unsophisticated as we have become,” one user wrote.

Another added: “What a f*****g embarrassment to the U.S. He has negative charisma and zero decorum.”

A third simply questioned: “What has happened to America?”

Meanwhile, Egede clarified that Greenland has no interest in becoming part of the U.S: “We don’t want to be Americans, nor Danes; we are Kalaallit. The Americans and their leader must understand that.”

“We are not for sale and cannot simply be taken. Our future will be decided by us in Greenland,” he added.

If the U.S. was hoping to win over Greenland’s support, Vance’s visit has likely done more harm than good.