COPENHAGEN / WASHINGTON — Denmark announced Monday it would summon the US ambassador following President Donald Trump’s appointment of a special envoy to Greenland, the Arctic territory he has repeatedly suggested could become part of the United States.
Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump has emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance, citing its resources and location as critical to US national security. The president has refused to rule out military action to secure the island, which is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
On Sunday, Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Landry “understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World.”
Landry responded via social media, calling the appointment “an honor” and expressing his intent to help make Greenland “a part of the US” in his volunteer role.
Denmark Voices Strong Protest
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen condemned the move as “totally unacceptable” and warned Washington to respect Denmark’s sovereignty. He confirmed that the Danish government would summon the US ambassador in the coming days to demand an explanation.
“As long as we have a kingdom in Denmark that consists of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, we cannot accept that there are those who undermine our sovereignty,” Rasmussen told TV2.
Meanwhile, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated on Facebook that the appointment “doesn’t change anything for us here at home” and reiterated that “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders, and territorial integrity must be respected.”
Strategic and Political Significance
Greenland, home to approximately 57,000 people, is rich in natural resources and strategically located between North America and Europe. Analysts note that the island is critical for Arctic security and missile defense, while climate change has opened new shipping lanes, drawing interest from the US, China, and Russia.
Despite growing US interest, a January 2025 poll indicated most Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark but do not wish to join the United States. Leaders in both Copenhagen and Nuuk have repeatedly insisted that Greenland is not for sale and its future will be determined locally.
The announcement follows a previous incident in August when Denmark summoned the US charge d’affaires over attempts to influence local politics in Greenland. US officials reportedly tried to identify Greenlandic individuals for or against closer ties with the United States. The US also maintains a consulate in Nuuk, opened in June 2020, reflecting ongoing strategic interest in the Arctic region.
