Denmark and Greenland’s leaders emphasized on Monday that the United States would not seize Greenland and called for recognition of their territorial rights following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement appointing a special envoy to the semi-autonomous region.
Trump’s declaration that Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry would serve as the envoy sparked renewed tensions over Washington’s interest in Denmark’s extensive territory, a member of NATO.
While unveiling new warships on Monday, Trump stated that the U.S. “requires” Greenland for national security and that Landry was enthusiastic about contributing to that objective.
“We must possess it, and he was eager to lead the effort,” Trump remarked.
‘Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders’
The Danish foreign minister informed Danish media that he would request a meeting with the U.S. ambassador at his ministry in response.
“We have stated this previously, and we reiterate it now. National boundaries and state sovereignty are grounded in international law,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated jointly. “They are essential principles. A country cannot annex another country, not even under the pretext of international security.”
“Greenland is the property of the Greenlanders, and the U.S. must not assume control of Greenland,” they added in the statement distributed by Frederiksen’s office. “We demand respect for our shared territorial integrity.”
Denmark summoned the top U.S. diplomat in the country to protest what Danish officials say is an unprecedented effort by people close to U.S. President Donald Trump to conduct secret influence operations in Greenland.
Trump has persistently advocated for U.S. control over Greenland during his transition to the presidency and early in his second term, not ruling out military action to gain authority over the mineral-rich and strategically positioned Arctic island.
In March, Vice President JD Vance visited a remote U.S. military base in Greenland and criticized Denmark for insufficient investment there.
Although the issue had somewhat faded from public attention, Danish officials in August summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen following a report alleging that at least three individuals linked to Trump had engaged in covert influence operations in Greenland.
On Sunday, Trump disclosed Landry’s appointment, asserting on social media that “Jeff comprehends the critical importance of Greenland to our National Security and will vigorously promote our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World.”</
