US Envoys Snubbed at Greenland's Premier Dogsled Race as Soft-Power Push Falters

Greenland's Avannaata Qimussersua dogsled race — the island's most prestigious sled-dog contest — has become an unexpected focal point in a diplomatic tussle between local organisers and US envoys linked to former President Donald Trump.

Invitation, Then Withdrawal

Within days this year, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, serving as a US special envoy for Greenland, was reportedly invited to the March 28 race in Qasigiannguit and then uninvited after organisers and local stakeholders raised concerns. A similar episode occurred last year when Usha Vance, the wife of US Vice President JD Vance, planned to attend before her appearance was cancelled amid controversy.

Local Significance

For many of Greenland's roughly 57,000 residents — nearly 90% of whom are Inuit — the Avannaata Qimussersua is closely tied to cultural identity. The late-winter event draws about 30 teams and is regarded as part of the island's "living culture," said Manumina Lund Jensen, an associate professor in the Department of Cultural and Social History at the University of Greenland. "It's very important for the Greenlanders, and it is a very emotional journey if you go there," she told AFP.

Accusations Of Soft Diplomacy

Researchers and local organisations say the attempted visits appear to be part of a broader US effort to gauge and influence Greenlandic public opinion. "We're looking at manoeuvres that, if not outright interference, are at least a form of soft diplomacy that involves meeting local populations with the intent of influencing them," Mikaa Blugeon-Mered, an Arctic geopolitics researcher, told AFP.

"KNQK has been informed that the tourism company that invited Governor Jeff Landry from the United States has unilaterally withdrawn its invitation," the Greenland Dog Sledding Association (KNQK) said in a statement, calling the withdrawal "reassuring."

Who Invited Them?

Greenlandic broadcaster KNR reported that tour operator Kristian Jeremiassen extended the invitation to Landry, saying he had invited "many different people" to promote tourism in northern Greenland. KNQK described the invitation as "wholly inappropriate" and criticised what it called outside political pressure.

Blugeon-Mered characterised Jeremiassen as a local businessman with political ambitions who seeks to position himself as an intermediary with US interests. In a separate episode last year, the US consulate reportedly offered to fund much of the race — an offer that critics said amounted to an attempt to buy influence; organisers ultimately rejected that approach.

Broader Reporting

Danish public broadcaster DR reported that at least three Americans linked to Trump were conducting influence activities in Greenland to identify locals inclined toward closer ties with the United States as well as those strongly opposed. The Wall Street Journal later reported that US intelligence agencies had been tasked with collecting information on Greenland's independence movement and local views about potential US exploitation of natural resources.

Aftermath

Concerns in Denmark about potential demonstrations and diplomatic pressure prompted a change in plans last year: JD and Usha Vance redirected their visit to an American air base at Pituffik in northwest Greenland rather than attending the sled race.

As Washington and parts of Europe navigate renewed tensions, the Avannaata Qimussersua remains a cultural touchstone in Greenland — and organisers have pushed back against efforts they see as politicising a community event.

Reporting: Based on AFP reporting and follow-up accounts from Danish broadcaster DR and the Wall Street Journal.