Trump appoints Greenland envoy, says US ‘needs’ island for national security

Trump renews Greenland takeover push, says US ‘needs’ island for national security

US President Donald Trump’s decision to appoint a US special envoy to Greenland has reignited diplomatic tensions with Denmark and Greenland, with leaders from both regions rejecting Washington’s renewed push to assert control over the autonomous Arctic territory.

Trump announced on Sunday that Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry would serve as the US special envoy to Greenland, describing the island as critical to American national security. In a social media post, Trump said the governor “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.”

On Monday, Trump doubled down on his long-standing position, arguing that Greenland’s strategic location makes it vital for US security interests. “We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals,” Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida. “If you take a look at Greenland, you look up and down the coast, you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need it for national security. We have to have it.”

Trump said Landry, a vocal supporter of closer US control over the Arctic territory, would lead the effort. “He wants to lead the charge,” the president added.

Landry welcomed the appointment, describing the envoy role as “a volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.,” a remark that drew sharp criticism from Copenhagen and Nuuk.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a joint statement rejecting Trump’s remarks and the envoy appointment. “We have said it before. Now, we say it again,” the leaders said. “National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law. You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security.”

“Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and the US shall not take over Greenland,” the statement added. “We expect respect for our joint territorial integrity.”

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he would summon the US ambassador to Copenhagen, calling the appointment and Landry’s comments “completely unacceptable.”

The envoy announcement revived a dispute that had largely faded from headlines in recent months. Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of US control over Greenland since his first term and again during the early months of his second term, at times refusing to rule out the use of military force.

In March, Vice President JD Vance visited a US military base on the island and accused Denmark of under-investing in Arctic security. Reports in recent months have also claimed the US stepped up intelligence activities in Greenland, prompting diplomatic protests from Denmark.

European leaders have rallied behind Denmark and Greenland. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Arctic security is a priority for the European Union but stressed that sovereignty is not negotiable.

Trump also repeated claims that Denmark had failed to support Greenland, despite Copenhagen pledging a multi-year $253 million investment package for the territory last year.

“They say that Denmark was there 300 years ago or something with a boat,” Trump said. “Well, we were there with boats too, I’m sure. So we’ll have to work it all out.”

The renewed US push has raised fresh concerns in Europe over respect for international law and the future of Arctic stability, as Denmark and Greenland continue to push back against Washington’s ambitions.

(With agency inputs)