Donald Trump has named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland, with the appointee pledging to bring the Arctic territory under Washington’s control.
The President announced the selection on Sunday on his Truth Social platform, declaring that Mr Landry grasps the critical importance of the semi-autonomous Danish territory to US defence interests.
“We need Greenland for national protection,” Mr Trump said on Monday, dismissing Denmark’s historical claims to the island.
Mr Landry expressed gratitude for the role, writing on social media: “It’s an honour to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US.”
Donald Trump has named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland
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Copenhagen reacted with fury to the announcement, with the Danish government confirming it had received no prior warning of Washington’s plans.
Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen declared he would summon the American ambassador to demand answers.
“I am deeply angered by the appointment and the statement, which I find totally unacceptable,” Mr Rasmussen told TV2.
The minister emphasised that Denmark would not tolerate any actions threatening the kingdom’s sovereignty, which encompasses Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen declared he would summon the American ambassador to demand answers
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“We insist that everyone, including the US, must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark,” he said.
The diplomatic row marks an escalation in tensions between Washington and the longstanding Nato ally.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a joint statement firmly rejecting any prospect of American acquisition.
“We have said it before. Now, we say it again: national borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law,” the two leaders declared.
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Mr Nielsen dismissed the envoy appointment as inconsequential to Greenland’s future direction
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“You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security.”
The statement continued: “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the US shall not take over Greenland. We expect respect for our joint territorial integrity.”
Mr Nielsen separately dismissed the envoy appointment as inconsequential to Greenland’s future direction.
“This may sound big, but it does not change anything for us. We decide our own future,” the Greenlandic leader wrote on social media.
Vice President JD Vance visited the territory in March
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He indicated willingness to cooperate with Washington, but only on terms respecting the autonomous region’s values and aspirations.
The Arctic territory has become increasingly valuable as global powers compete for influence in the region.
Greenland hosts the Pituffik base, which serves as America’s northernmost military installation and plays a crucial role in missile defence and space surveillance operations.
The island also contains substantial deposits of rare earth minerals essential for advanced military equipment, renewable energy technology and industrial manufacturing, resources currently dominated by Chinese suppliers.
Polling conducted in January and published in the Greenlandic publication Sermitsiaq revealed that 85 per cent of residents opposed joining the US, with just six per cent expressing support.
The territory’s population of approximately 57,000 has enjoyed extensive self-governance since 1979, though Copenhagen retains control over defence and foreign affairs.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen threw her support behind the Nordic nation, posting on social media that the bloc stands firmly behind Denmark and Greenland’s people.
Mr Trump’s interest in acquiring the island dates to his first presidential term, when both Danish and Greenlandic authorities rejected a 2019 purchase proposal, affirming that Greenland was not for sale.
Vice President JD Vance visited the territory in March, urging Greenlanders to negotiate with Washington.
