The leaders of Denmark and Greenland emphasized on Monday that the United States has no intention of taking control of Greenland and called for respect for their territorial sovereignty following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of appointing a special envoy to the semi-autonomous region.
Trump’s decision to name Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the envoy sparked renewed tensions over Washington’s interest in Denmark’s expansive territory, a member of NATO.
Speaking during an event about new naval vessels, Trump asserted that the U.S. considers Greenland crucial for national security and that Landry is committed to that objective.
“It is essential for us, and he is eager to lead the effort,” Trump stated.
‘Greenland Belongs to the People of Greenland’
The Danish foreign minister announced that he would request a meeting with the U.S. ambassador in response to the situation.
“We have stated this previously, and we reiterate it now. National borders and state sovereignty are principles based on international law,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said jointly in a statement. “These are fundamental values. Annexing another country is not permissible, even under the guise of international security.”
“Greenland is the rightful territory of the Greenlandic people, and the U.S. should not attempt to seize control of Greenland,” they further emphasized in the statement issued by Frederiksen’s office. “We demand respect for our shared territorial integrity.”
Denmark lodged a complaint with the top U.S. diplomat in the nation over alleged clandestine activities by individuals close to U.S. President Donald Trump in Greenland.
Trump had previously advocated for U.S. sovereignty over Greenland during his transition to the presidency and early second term, even suggesting the use of military force to assert control over the resource-rich Arctic island.
In a visit to a remote U.S. military installation in Greenland in March, Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark for insufficient investment in the area.
Although the issue had faded from public attention, Danish officials in August called in the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen after allegations surfaced that individuals connected to Trump had engaged in covert influence campaigns in Greenland.
Trump’s appointment of Landry was announced on Sunday, with the president stating on social media that “Jeff comprehends the critical importance of Greenland to our national security and will vigorously promote our country’s interests for the well-being, security, and survival