Trump Envoy Vows to Work Toward Making Greenland Part of the U.S., Sparking Diplomatic Tension

U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, a move that has reignited debate and diplomatic friction over Greenland’s future and territorial status.

Trump’s decision reflects his longstanding interest in bringing the vast, strategically located Arctic island under greater U.S. influence, with Landry openly stating his aim to make Greenland “part of the United States.”

In announcing the appointment, Trump emphasised Greenland’s importance to U.S. national security and global strategic interests, framing the envoy role as key to advancing American priorities.

Landry, who is serving in a volunteer, part-time capacity while remaining governor of Louisiana, expressed enthusiasm for the position on social media, describing it as “an honour to serve” and reiterated his goal of integrating Greenland into the United States.

The announcement has triggered swift backlash from Danish and Greenlandic officials, who underscore that Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark and not for sale.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen condemned Landry’s comments as “unacceptable” and said Denmark would summon the U.S. ambassador to Copenhagen to seek clarification and stress respect for Danish sovereignty and international law.

Greenlandic leaders also reaffirmed that decisions about their future rest with the people of Greenland, emphasising that while cooperation with the United States on various issues is welcome, sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be compromised.

The controversy highlights growing geopolitical interest in the Arctic, where Greenland’s strategic location, natural resources, and proximity to military infrastructure have attracted attention from the United States and other global powers.

Trump’s push, including previous remarks suggesting the U.S. might pursue acquisition by force if necessary, has repeatedly strained relations with Denmark, a NATO ally, and drawn criticism from European partners who insist that Greenland’s status must be respected under international law.

Despite the diplomatic tensions, the U.S. has not provided a formal legal framework for how Greenland might become part of the United States, and Danish officials continue to firmly reject any attempt to alter the island’s current constitutional relationship without Greenlanders’ consent.

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press