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Trump names Louisiana governor as US envoy to Greenland
US President Donald Trump has appointed Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, as a special envoy to Greenland, escalating a long-standing dispute with Denmark over the Arctic territory.
Denmark and Greenland react with outrage
Copenhagen has summoned the US ambassador for an explanation after Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the move "deeply upsetting" and warned Washington to respect Danish sovereignty.
Rasmussen told Danish broadcaster TV2 that Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland form an indivisible kingdom, and any actions undermining its territorial integrity would not be tolerated.
Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, reaffirmed the island's autonomy, stating, "We decide our own future. Greenland belongs to Greenlanders, and territorial integrity must be respected."
Landry's controversial stance on Greenland
Governor Landry, a military veteran and former police officer, has long supported Trump's push to bring Greenland under US control. In January, he posted on X: "President Donald J. Trump is absolutely right! We need to ensure that Greenland joins the United States. GREAT for them, GREAT for us! Let's get it done!"
In his new role, Landry will focus on advancing US interests in Greenland while maintaining his duties as Louisiana's governor. He recently welcomed Trump's proposal to deploy National Guard troops to New Orleans as part of a crackdown on urban crime.
Trump's strategic interest in Greenland
Since returning to office in January, Trump has revived his push for Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral wealth. He has not ruled out using force to secure the island, a stance that has alarmed Denmark, a NATO ally with historically close ties to Washington.
Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, has had self-government since 1979, though Denmark retains control over defense and foreign policy. While many Greenlanders support eventual independence, polls show overwhelming opposition to US annexation.
Arctic competition fuels tensions
The dispute comes as global powers vie for influence in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to valuable resources. Greenland's position between North America and Europe makes it critical to US and NATO security, serving as a key missile defense location.
The US has maintained a military presence in Greenland since World War II, after invading to establish bases following Nazi Germany's occupation of Denmark. In March, Vice President JD Vance visited the island, urging Greenlanders to "cut a deal with the US."
