Donald Trump has sparked a fresh row with Denmark after appointing a special envoy to Greenland, the vast Arctic island he has stated he would like to annex. In response to a question from the BBC about the new role of Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, Trump said the US needed Greenland for national protection and that we have to have it. Landry, he said, would lead the charge as special envoy to Greenland, a semi-autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The move has angered Copenhagen, which stated it would call the US ambassador for an explanation. Greenland's prime minister asserted that the island must decide our own future and that its territorial integrity must be respected.
Gov Landry expressed in a post on X that it was an honor to serve in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US. Since Trump's return to the White House in January, he has revitalized his long-standing interest in Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral wealth. He has even mused about using force to secure control over the island, a stance that has alarmed Denmark, a NATO ally that has enjoyed strong relations with Washington.
Trump emphasized the need for Greenland for national security, not merely for resources, specifically mentioning potential threats from Chinese and Russian vessels nearby.
Greenland, which has around 57,000 residents, has enjoyed extensive self-government since 1979, though foreign policy and defense still rest with Denmark. While many Greenlanders desire eventual independence from Denmark, they have shown overwhelming opposition to joining the US. Denmark's Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, labeled Landry's appointment as deeply upsetting and warned the US to respect Danish sovereignty. Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, reiterated that the territory belongs to the Greenlanders.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen voiced full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Regarding Landry's new role, Trump stated on social media that Landry understands how essential Greenland is to our national security.
This appointment highlights the presumption of the US regarding Greenland's status and the appointee's claim that he will facilitate the island's inclusion in the US—a goal Trump has pursued previously. In 2019, Trump proposed buying Greenland, a proposal that was rejected by both Denmark and Greenland, which insisted, Greenland is not for sale. The geopolitical significance of Greenland, amid rising tensions and strategic competition in the Arctic, has put it at the forefront of international relations as interest in its resources and shipping routes grows due to climate change.
The move has angered Copenhagen, which stated it would call the US ambassador for an explanation. Greenland's prime minister asserted that the island must decide our own future and that its territorial integrity must be respected.
Gov Landry expressed in a post on X that it was an honor to serve in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US. Since Trump's return to the White House in January, he has revitalized his long-standing interest in Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral wealth. He has even mused about using force to secure control over the island, a stance that has alarmed Denmark, a NATO ally that has enjoyed strong relations with Washington.
Trump emphasized the need for Greenland for national security, not merely for resources, specifically mentioning potential threats from Chinese and Russian vessels nearby.
Greenland, which has around 57,000 residents, has enjoyed extensive self-government since 1979, though foreign policy and defense still rest with Denmark. While many Greenlanders desire eventual independence from Denmark, they have shown overwhelming opposition to joining the US. Denmark's Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, labeled Landry's appointment as deeply upsetting and warned the US to respect Danish sovereignty. Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, reiterated that the territory belongs to the Greenlanders.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen voiced full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Regarding Landry's new role, Trump stated on social media that Landry understands how essential Greenland is to our national security.
This appointment highlights the presumption of the US regarding Greenland's status and the appointee's claim that he will facilitate the island's inclusion in the US—a goal Trump has pursued previously. In 2019, Trump proposed buying Greenland, a proposal that was rejected by both Denmark and Greenland, which insisted, Greenland is not for sale. The geopolitical significance of Greenland, amid rising tensions and strategic competition in the Arctic, has put it at the forefront of international relations as interest in its resources and shipping routes grows due to climate change.
