Donald Trump has reignited diplomatic tensions with Denmark after appointing a special envoy to Greenland, the Arctic territory he has repeatedly said he wants the United States to acquire.
The US president announced on Sunday that Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, would serve as Washington’s special envoy to Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump said Landry understood how “essential Greenland is to our national security” and would help advance American interests in the Arctic.
The appointment was swiftly rejected by Greenland’s leaders and condemned in Copenhagen. Greenland’s prime minister, Jens Frederik Nielsen, said the island’s future could only be determined by its own people and warned that its territorial integrity must be respected.
“The appointment of a special envoy does not change anything for us,” Nielsen said. “We decide our own future. Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.”
Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, described the move as deeply upsetting and said the Danish government would summon the US ambassador for an explanation. Speaking to Danish broadcaster TV2, Rasmussen said Denmark could not accept actions that undermined its sovereignty.
“As long as we have a kingdom consisting of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, we cannot accept this,” he said.
Landry, posting on X, said it was an honour to serve in what he described as a volunteer role, adding bluntly that he would work to make Greenland part of the United States. He said the appointment would not interfere with his duties as Louisiana governor.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has revived his long standing interest in Greenland, citing its strategic location and vast mineral resources. He has refused to rule out the use of force to secure control of the island, a position that has alarmed Denmark, a Nato ally.
Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, has enjoyed extensive self rule since 1979, although defence and foreign policy remain under Danish control. While many Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, polls consistently show overwhelming opposition to joining the United States.
The row comes as competition in the Arctic intensifies, with melting ice opening new shipping routes and increasing access to critical minerals. Greenland’s position between North America and Europe also makes it central to US and Nato security planning, sitting on the shortest missile route between Russia and the United States.
