U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited tensions with Denmark by appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, asserting that the United States ‘has to have’ the Arctic territory for national security reasons. The move prompted immediate diplomatic backlash from Copenhagen and Nuuk, with both governments insisting on respect for Greenland’s territorial integrity.
Trump announced Landry’s appointment on Monday during a speech about new warships, where he reiterated his long-standing desire to acquire Greenland. He stated that the U.S. ‘needs’ Greenland for national protection against threats, specifically mentioning Chinese and Russian activities in the region. Landry, a Republican governor and military veteran, accepted the role, vowing to work towards making Greenland part of the United States.
The appointment was made without prior consultation with Danish or Greenlandic authorities, leading to swift condemnation. Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, described it as ‘deeply upsetting’ and announced that the U.S. ambassador would be summoned for an explanation. In a joint statement, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized that ‘Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders’ and that annexation is unacceptable under international law.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has extensive self-governance but relies on Denmark for defense and foreign policy. The island’s population of about 57,000 has historically favored independence from Denmark but overwhelmingly opposes joining the U.S. Greenland’s prime minister stated that the appointment ‘changes nothing’ for the territory and that its future must be decided by its people.
Trump’s interest in Greenland dates back to his first term, when he attempted to purchase the island in 2019, an offer that was firmly rejected. Since returning to office in January, he has revived this ambition, citing Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic and its mineral resources. Vice-President JD Vance visited a U.S. military base in Greenland earlier this year, criticizing Danish investment and urging Greenlanders to ‘cut a deal’ with the U.S.
The dispute highlights growing strategic competition in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to resources. The U.S. maintains a military base in Greenland, established during World War II, and reopened a consulate in Nuuk in 2020. European leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have expressed solidarity with Denmark, emphasizing the importance of territorial sovereignty.
Landry’s role as special envoy is informal and does not require approval from Denmark or Greenland, but it symbolizes the Trump administration’s assertive approach. In social media posts, Landry called it an ‘honor’ to serve in this volunteer position to annex Greenland, aligning with Trump’s vision. The White House press secretary stated that Greenland is viewed as crucial for ‘maintaining peace through strength’ in the Arctic.
The incident strains U.S.-Denmark relations, both NATO allies, and raises questions about the future of Arctic governance. With Trump not ruling out the use of force to secure Greenland, the situation remains volatile. Analysts suggest that this move is part of a broader strategy to expand U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere, as outlined in recent national security documents. As the diplomatic row unfolds, the focus will be on whether the U.S. will de-escalate or pursue further actions, with implications for international law and regional stability.
