Donald Trump has reignited tensions with Denmark after naming a special envoy to Greenland and repeating his claim that the United States needs the Arctic island.
Asked by the BBC about the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Trump said Greenland was essential for “national protection” and declared that the US “has to have it.”
The Move Was Met With An Angry Response From Copenhagen!
According to Trump, Landry would “lead the effort” as special envoy to Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The move prompted an angry response from Copenhagen, which said it would summon the US ambassador to demand an explanation. Greenland’s prime minister also reacted firmly, stressing that the island alone has the right to decide its future and that its territorial integrity must be respected.
Landry, for his part, described the role as an honour, writing on X that he was serving in a voluntary capacity aimed at helping Greenland become part of the United States. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has revived his long-standing interest in the island, citing its strategic position in the Arctic. While Greenland is known for its mineral wealth, Trump insisted his focus was security rather than resources, pointing to Chinese and Russian vessels in nearby waters as potential threats.
Greenland has a population of around 57,000 and has enjoyed extensive self-rule since 1979, although defence and foreign policy remain under Danish control. While many Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, opinion polls consistently show strong opposition to joining the US.
Greenlanders Support Independence From Denmark
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the appointment “deeply upsetting” and warned Washington against undermining Danish sovereignty. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said cooperation with the US was possible, but only on the basis of mutual respect and recognition that Greenland belongs to its people. The European Commission also voiced full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.
Although special envoys are informal roles that do not require approval from the host country, the appointment underlines that Trump’s ambition regarding Greenland has not faded. He previously sought to buy the island during his first term, a proposal rejected outright by both Danish and Greenlandic leaders.
The dispute comes amid growing strategic competition in the Arctic, as melting ice opens new shipping routes and access to valuable resources. Greenland’s location between North America and Europe makes it central to US and NATO security planning, and the US has maintained a military presence there since the Second World War.