In brief
The appointment of Jeff Landry as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland by Donald Trump has led to a renewed disagreement with Denmark over the territory's status. Landry's role is reportedly aimed at advancing U.S. interests in Greenland, which Trump has long expressed interest in due to its strategic location and resources. Meanwhile, leaders from Greenland and Denmark reaffirm the island's autonomy and territorial integrity, emphasizing that it should decide its own future amidst escalating international interest in the Arctic region.
Donald Trump has sparked a renewed disagreement with Denmark after appointing a special envoy to Greenland, the Arctic island he has said he would like to annex.
Trump announced on Sunday that Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, would become the U.S.'s special envoy to Greenland, a semi-autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Writing on social media, the U.S. president said Landry understood how essential Greenland is to our national security and would advance U.S. interests.
Greenland's prime minister said the island must decide our own future and its territorial integrity must be respected.
The move angered Copenhagen, which will call the U.S. ambassador for an explanation.
Governor Landry said in a post on X it was an honour to serve in a volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the United States, saying the role would not affect his duties as Louisiana governor.
Denmark's foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, described the appointment as deeply upsetting and warned Washington to respect Danish sovereignty.
He told Danish broadcaster TV2: As long as we have a kingdom consisting of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, we cannot accept actions that undermine our territorial integrity.
Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said the territory was willing to cooperate with the United States and other countries, but only on the basis of mutual respect.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has revived his long-standing interest in Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral wealth. He has refused to rule out using force to secure control of the island, a stance that has shocked Denmark, a NATO ally that has traditionally enjoyed close relations with Washington.
Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, has had extensive self-government since 1979, though defence and foreign policy remain in Danish hands. While most Greenlanders favour eventual independence from Denmark, opinion polls show overwhelming opposition to becoming part of the United States.
The dispute comes as strategic competition in the Arctic grows, with melting ice opening new shipping routes and increasing access to valuable mineral resources.
Greenland's location between North America and Europe also makes it central to U.S. and NATO security planning and puts it on the shortest route for missiles between Russia and the United States.
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