Denmark has warned the United States to respect its territorial integrity after President Donald Trump appointed a special envoy to Greenland, the Danish autonomous territory he has previously suggested the U.S. might annex.
Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly argued that the resource-rich island is vital for U.S. security and has refused to rule out the use of force to secure it. Early Monday, Trump announced that Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry would serve as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland.
“Jeff 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,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. Landry responded on X, saying, “It’s an honour to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.”
However, a January opinion poll indicates that while most of Greenland’s 57,000 residents favor independence from Denmark, they do not wish to join the United States. Leaders in both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly stressed that Greenland is not for sale and that its people will decide their own future.
“The appointment confirms continued American interest in Greenland,” Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said in a statement emailed to AFP. “However, we insist that everyone—including the United States—must respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Greenland’s strategic location between North America and Europe has drawn growing attention from the U.S., China, and Russia, especially as Arctic sea lanes open due to climate change. The island also lies along the shortest missile route between Russia and the United States.
Tensions flared in August when Denmark summoned the U.S. charge d’affaires over reports of attempted interference in Greenland, after at least three U.S. officials close to Trump were seen in Nuuk seeking to identify supporters for a closer U.S.-Greenland relationship. The U.S. has maintained a consulate in Greenland since June 2020.
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