Trump Reignites Greenland Aspirations as Denmark Reacts

Tue Dec 23 2025 18:20:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a controversial move, President Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, stating that the U.S. must have Greenland for national security reasons, igniting tensions with Denmark.

President Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, re-igniting his interest in potentially annexing the island, which he believes is crucial for U.S. national security. This move has spurred anger from Denmark, which is seeking clarification on U.S. intentions regarding Greenland's territorial integrity. Trump stated Greenland's importance lies not only in its resources but also in countering threats posed by China and Russia in the Arctic region. The appointment has raised concerns over the future of Greenland and its governance, as public sentiment there largely opposes becoming part of the U.S.

Donald Trump has sparked a fresh row with Denmark after appointing a special envoy to Greenland, the vast Arctic island he has expressed interest in annexing.

In response to a question from the BBC about the new role of Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, Trump declared that the US needed Greenland for national protection and stated, we have to have it.
Landry, he explained, would lead the charge as special envoy to Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous entity under the Kingdom of Denmark.

The move has angered Copenhagen, which announced plans to summon the US ambassador for an explanation. Greenland's Prime Minister asserted that the island must decide our own future and emphasized that its territorial integrity must be respected.
Landry expressed honor in serving in a position aimed at making Greenland a part of the US.

Since his return to the White House in January, Trump has revived his long-standing interest in Greenland, highlighting its strategic location and mineral wealth. He has not dismissed the possibility of using force to secure control of the island, prompting shock among Danish officials, given Denmark's status as a NATO ally with traditionally close ties to Washington.

We'll have to work that out, Trump remarked. We need Greenland for national security, not minerals, alluding to concerns about Chinese and Russian naval activities nearby.

Greenland, home to roughly 57,000 residents, has enjoyed extensive self-government since 1979, though defense and foreign affairs remain under Danish control. While many Greenlanders favor eventual independence from Denmark, there is significant opposition to joining the US.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister condemned the appointment of Landry, describing it as deeply upsetting, and urged the US to respect Danish sovereignty.

The situation is compounded by an increasing strategic competition in the Arctic, as melting ice opens up new shipping lanes and access to valuable natural resources. Greenland's geographical significance positions it at the center of US and NATO security strategies.

The US has maintained a military base in Greenland since WWII, established after invading the territory during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. The reopening of a US consulate in Nuuk during Trump's presidency underscores growing American engagement in the region.

Trump's ambition regarding Greenland remains undeterred, with his new envoy set to push these aspirations amidst rising geopolitical tensions.