Trump's Greenland Gambit: New Envoy Tasked with Annexation Sparks Diplomatic Clash with Denmark

President Donald Trump has ignited a diplomatic firestorm with Denmark, a NATO ally, by appointing a special envoy to Greenland with the explicit goal of making the semi-autonomous Arctic island part of the United States. The announcement on Sunday that Louisiana's Republican Governor, Jeff Landry, would take the role has been met with fury in Copenhagen, which called the move "deeply upsetting" and is summoning the U.S. ambassador for an explanation.

At the heart of the dispute is the envoy's stated mission. In a post on X, Gov. Landry said it was an honor to serve and help “make Greenland a part of the US.” This echoes his previous statements, including a post in January where he wrote, “President Donald J. Trump is absolutely right! We need to ensure that Greenland joins the United States.” The declaration directly challenges Greenland's status as a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

As long as we have a kingdom consisting of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, we cannot accept actions that undermine our territorial integrity.

The reaction from both Denmark and Greenland was swift and sharp. Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, stated firmly, “We decide our own future. Greenland belongs to Greenlanders, and territorial integrity must be respected.” While he added that Greenland is willing to cooperate with the U.S. on the basis of mutual respect, the message of self-determination was clear.

Home to about 57,000 people, Greenland has extensive self-government, but its defense and foreign policy remain in Danish hands. Trump sees its strategic location and mineral wealth as “essential to our national security.” As melting ice opens new shipping routes and access to resources, the Arctic’s importance is soaring. Greenland also lies on the shortest missile route between Russia and the U.S., a critical position for NATO security planning.

The appointment’s significance lies in its informal nature. Unlike official diplomats, special envoys don't require approval from the host country. This allows the Trump administration to bypass Copenhagen and engage directly with Greenland, a tactic consistent with the president’s transactional approach to foreign policy. It's a move that signals Trump's ambition to control Greenland remains undimmed, echoing his past refusal to rule out using force to secure the island.