The political temperature between Washington and Copenhagen jumped this week after Denmark reacted sharply to Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Louisiana governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. What pushed the situation from tense to explosive wasn’t just the role itself — it was Landry publicly stating he wants Greenland to “become part of the US.”
Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen didn’t hold back. Speaking to national broadcaster TV 2, he said he was “deeply upset” by the appointment and described Landry’s comments as “completely unacceptable.” Denmark will now summon the US ambassador for an explanation.
Trump, who has repeatedly argued Greenland is vital to American national security, announced Landry’s appointment on social media, calling him someone who would “advance our Country’s interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies.”
Landry responded with a message that stunned Danish leaders and Greenland officials alike:
“It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.”
He added that his new role does not affect his position as Louisiana governor.
Greenland and Denmark push back
Greenland’s prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen dismissed
the idea that US plans would influence the island’s future.
He was direct: “We decide our own future… Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.”
Denmark and Greenland issued a joint statement making their stance even clearer:
“You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security.”
For Denmark, this isn’t only a diplomatic insult — it’s a challenge to territorial integrity. The European Union backed that concern, reminding Washington that Denmark’s borders and sovereignty must be respected.
Why Greenland matters
Greenland’s location and resources have drawn growing global interest. Its mineral-rich Arctic land sits at a key military and strategic crossroads between Russia, North America, and Europe.
The US already operates a sprawling military base on the island and reopened its consulate there in 2020. With Arctic ice melting and competition increasing, Greenland’s value has only risen.
Trump has openly said he wants the US to control the island — and has never ruled out using force. That position, combined with Landry’s appointment, has triggered diplomatic alarm.
Tensions have been building
In recent years:
- Danish officials confronted the US over alleged influence operations in Greenland.
- Vice President JD Vance visited the island and said America had “no other option” but to increase its presence.
- Danish intelligence warned that Washington was taking a more aggressive stance in global diplomacy.
Landry’s arrival signals that the push is far from over — and Denmark sees the move as undermining the very foundation of its sovereignty.
What happens next
With Denmark preparing to confront the US ambassador and Greenland’s leaders refusing any idea of annexation, the appointment has reshaped a diplomatic relationship that was once easy and predictable.
Greenland may only have 57,000 people, but its role in global security is enormous — and Trump’s latest move suggests the United States is nowhere near letting go of the idea that the island should be American.
Whether this becomes a prolonged standoff, a negotiation, or
the start of something far more serious will depend on what Washington does
next.
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