Trump Appoints Envoy to 'Make Greenland Part of US,' Sparking Diplomatic Firestorm
US President Donald Trump has appointed a special envoy to 'make Greenland part of the US,' citing national security and sparking a diplomatic firestorm with Denmark and the EU.
United States PresidentDonald Trumphas escalated his campaign to acquire Greenland, appointing a special envoy tasked with making the Danish territory "a part of the US." The move on Monday triggered a furious diplomatic backlash fromDenmarkand Greenland, who denounced it as an unacceptable violation of sovereignty, with the European Union quickly rallying to their side.
'We Have to Have It': Trump Cites National Security
Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida onDecember 23, Trump argued that his interest in the Arctic island is a matter of defense, not commerce. "We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals," he said. "If you take a look at Greenland, you look up and down the coast, you haveRussianandChineseships all over the place… We have to have it."
The comments followed Sunday's announcement of Louisiana GovernorJeff Landryas a special envoy. Landry quickly stoked the controversy, posting on X that it was "an honour to serve… in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of theUS}." He added the role would not interfere with his gubernatorial duties.
Copenhagen and Nuuk Issue Sharp Rebuke
Landry's statement drew an immediate and unified condemnation. Danish Prime MinisterMette Frederiksenand Greenland's prime minister,Jens-Frederik Nielsen}, issued a joint statement asserting that "Greenland belongs to Greenlanders." They added, "You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security."
Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he would summon the US envoy to express his country's "deep anger." The diplomatic pressure was compounded when the Trump administration suspended leases for five large offshore wind projects off the US East Coast, including two being developed by Denmark’s state-controlled Orsted, a move widely seen as a pressure tactic.
TheEuropean Unionswiftly declared "full solidarity" with Copenhagen. European Commission chiefUrsula von der Leyenand Council PresidentAntonio Costaemphasized that "territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law."
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