Trump's Greenland Ambitions Spark Outrage and Diplomacy Challenges

Tue Dec 23 2025 17:22:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

After appointing a special envoy to Greenland, Trump reignites tensions with Denmark, declaring the strategic necessity of the island for U.S. security.

Donald Trump has stirred controversy by appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, asserting that the U.S. 'has to have' the island for national security. The move has incited anger from Denmark, which is urging respect for its sovereignty, while Greenland's leaders insist on their right to self-determination. Trump's ambitions for Greenland, previously expressed as an interest in annexation, highlight the ongoing strategic competition in the Arctic.

Donald Trump has sparked a fresh row with Denmark after appointing a special envoy to Greenland, the vast Arctic island he has said 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 said it would call the US ambassador for 'an explanation'. Greenland's prime minister said the island must 'decide our own future' and its 'territorial integrity must be respected'.

Gov Landry said in a post on X that it was an honour to serve in a 'volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US'.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has revived his long-standing interest in Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral wealth. He has refused to rule out using force to secure control of the island, a stance that has shocked Denmark, a NATO ally that has traditionally enjoyed close relations with Washington.

'We'll have to work that out,' Trump added. 'We need Greenland for national security, not minerals.'

Trump specifically mentioned Chinese and Russian ships as potential threats in the nearby seas.

Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, has had extensive self-government since 1979, though defence and foreign policy remain in Danish hands. While most Greenlanders favour eventual independence from Denmark, opinion polls show overwhelming opposition to becoming part of the US.

Denmark's Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, described the appointment of Landry as 'deeply upsetting' and warned Washington to respect Danish sovereignty. He told Danish broadcaster TV2: 'As long as we have a kingdom consisting of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, we cannot accept actions that undermine our territorial integrity.'

Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, expressed willingness to cooperate with the US and other countries, but only on the basis of mutual respect. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the EU stands in 'full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland'.

The significance of this appointment is both the US presumption that Greenland is separate from Denmark and the new appointee's assertion that he will help the island become part of the US. Envoys are informal appointments and unlike official diplomats, do not have to be approved by the host country.

This appointment shows that Trump's ambition to control Greenland remains undimmed. Since his first presidential term, Trump has attempted to buy Greenland, a proposal rejected by both Denmark and the Greenlandic government.

The strategic competition in the Arctic is intensifying, with melting ice opening new shipping routes and increasing access to valuable mineral resources.

The US has maintained a base in Greenland since World War Two, after invading to establish military stations after the Nazis occupied Denmark. Recently, Vice-President JD Vance urged Greenland's people to 'cut a deal with the US'.