Second Lady Usha Vance and one of her sons will visit Greenland amid President Trump’s ongoing pronouncements about absorbing the island nation into the United States.
The White House announced the trip on Sunday, saying that Usha Vance will visit the country’s historical sites and attend Greenland’s national dogsled race, Avannaata Qimussersua. The Second Lady and her son will depart for the brief trip on Thursday and are expected to return on Saturday.
“Ms. Vance and the delegation are excited to witness this monumental race and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity,” the statement said, per The Washington Post.
The trip comes as President Trump has ratcheted rhetoric about the possibility of Greenland, which is part of Denmark, joining the United States.
Earlier this month, The Dallas Express reported that the Arctic island’s pro-independence parties saw a surge in popularity. However, it is not clear whether residents want to break from Denmark to join the United States.
One poll taken earlier this year found over 57% of Greenland respondents supported joining the U.S. However, another poll found that just 6% supported the idea.
U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz is also expected to travel to Greenland, according to the Danish news outlets Berlingske and Jyllands-Posten.
In addition to enjoying the iconic dogsled race, Usha Vance took to social media to say she was “also coming to celebrate the long history of mutual respect and cooperation between our nations and to express hope that our relationship will only grow stronger in the coming years.”
“I look forward to meeting many of you soon and to learning from you about your beautiful land, culture, and traditions,” she posted on Instagram on March 23.
President Trump was asked about Greenland annexation plans earlier this month during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The President said: “I think it will happen,” per The Washington Post.