Is Trump trying to take Greenland? New US Envoy appointment sparks Global Outrage

A fresh diplomatic crisis has erupted between the United States and Denmark after President Donald Trump appointed a special envoy to Greenland, reviving his long-standing ambition to bring the vast Arctic island under US control.

The move has sparked sharp backlash from Denmark, Greenland’s government, the European Union, and key Nordic allies, with leaders warning that territorial integrity and international law must be respected.

Trump announced on Sunday that Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, would serve as the US special envoy to Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The appointment immediately escalated tensions after Landry publicly declared his intention to help make Greenland “part of the United States.”

Why Greenland Matters to the United States

Greenland’s strategic importance lies at the heart of the controversy. Located between North America and Europe, the island sits along the shortest missile routes between the US and Russia, making it central to American and NATO security planning.

The Arctic territory is also rich in untapped mineral resources, including rare earth elements critical for advanced technologies, while melting ice caps are opening new shipping lanes, intensifying geopolitical competition among the US, China, and Russia.

Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is “essential to US national security,” a position reiterated in his recent National Security Strategy focused on asserting influence across the Western Hemisphere.

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Denmark and Greenland Reject US Claims

The response from Copenhagen was swift and unequivocal. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said he was “deeply upset” by the appointment and confirmed that the US ambassador would be summoned for an explanation.

In a joint statement, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen warned:

“National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law. You cannot annex other countries.”

Nielsen stressed that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people alone, adding:

“Greenland belongs to Greenlanders. We decide our own future.”

EU and Nordic Countries Rally Behind Denmark

European leaders quickly expressed solidarity. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc stands “in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland,” emphasizing that sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental principles of international law.

Sweden and Norway also voiced support, with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stating that the envoy’s role clearly aimed to make Greenland American, something Greenlanders overwhelmingly oppose.

Greenland’s Position: Independence, Not Annexation

Although most of Greenland’s 57,000 residents favor eventual independence from Denmark, polls consistently show strong opposition to becoming part of the United States.

The island has enjoyed extensive self-government since 1979 and gained the legal right to declare independence in 2009, though defense and foreign policy remain under Danish control.

Local leaders insist cooperation with the US is welcome, but only on equal and respectful terms.

Trump’s Greenland Ambition: Not New, But Escalating

Trump first attempted to buy Greenland in 2019, a proposal flatly rejected by both Denmark and Greenland’s government. Since returning to office in January, he has revived the idea, refusing to rule out the use of force, a stance that has alarmed allies.

The US already maintains a military base in Greenland, reopened a consulate in Nuuk in 2020, and has increased high-profile visits, including one by Vice-President JD Vance earlier this year.

Analysts warn the envoy appointment signals a more aggressive posture in the Arctic, with implications far beyond Greenland.

FAQ

Why does Donald Trump want Greenland?

Trump views Greenland as strategically vital due to its Arctic location, missile defense relevance, and access to rare minerals crucial for modern technologies.

Is Greenland part of the United States?

No. Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Denmark responsible for defense and foreign affairs.

Can the US legally annex Greenland?

No. Under international law, countries cannot annex another territory without consent. Danish and Greenlandic leaders have firmly rejected any such move.

Who is the new US envoy to Greenland?

Jeff Landry, the governor of Louisiana, was appointed as a special envoy. He controversially stated his aim to help make Greenland part of the US.

How have Denmark and the EU responded?

Denmark has summoned the US ambassador, while the EU and Nordic countries have publicly backed Denmark and Greenland’s sovereignty.

Do Greenlanders want to join the US?

Opinion polls show overwhelming opposition. While many Greenlanders favor eventual independence, they do not support US annexation.

Why is Greenland important to global security?

Its location between North America and Europe makes it central to missile defense, Arctic shipping routes, and NATO security planning.

Has Trump tried this before?

Yes. In 2019, Trump attempted to purchase Greenland, a proposal rejected outright by Denmark and Greenland’s government.