President Donald Trump has escalated his controversial push to acquire Greenland by appointing Jeff Landry as a special envoy, triggering strong backlash from both Greenland and Denmark.
Trump announced Landry’s appointment on Sunday, calling Greenland vital to US national security. Speaking at Mar-a-Lago on Monday, the president said the United States “needs Greenland for national protection,” adding bluntly, “we have to have it.” He cited concerns about Russian and Chinese naval activity near the Arctic territory.
Landry, a military veteran and former US congressman, confirmed the role on X, saying he would serve in a “volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US.” He stressed that the appointment would not interfere with his responsibilities as Louisiana’s governor.
The move drew immediate condemnation from Copenhagen and Nuuk. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described Landry’s remarks as “totally unacceptable” and summoned the US ambassador to demand clarification.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen firmly rejected Trump’s claims, stating that “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders” and that any decision about its future must be made by its people. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed the concern, warning that the issue risks straining long-standing allied relations.
The European Union also voiced support for Denmark. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa expressed “full solidarity” with Copenhagen, stressing that territorial integrity and sovereignty are core principles of international law.
Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, enjoys extensive self-rule but remains under Danish authority for foreign policy and defense. Trump’s renewed interest centers on the island’s strategic Arctic location, existing US missile defense installations, and its rich mineral potential.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has repeatedly refused to rule out the use of military pressure to secure Greenland, framing the territory as a strategic necessity for US defense rather than an economic acquisition.
