On Monday, Denmark and Greenland leaders rebuffed a new U.S. diplomatic move that could alter the status of the Arctic island, demanding that Washington respect their sovereignty. President Donald Trump’s announcement on Sunday that Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry would serve as a special envoy to Greenland sparked a swift and forceful response from the Danish and Greenlandic governments.
Denmark and Greenland’s Joint Statement
In a joint statement released by the offices of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the leaders underscored the inviolability of national borders. They wrote, “We have said it before. Now, we say it again. National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law.” The statement continued, “They are fundamental principles. You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security.” They added, “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and the U.S. shall not take over Greenland.” The pair concluded that they expect “respect for our joint territorial integrity.”
Trump’s Envoy Announcement
Trump’s social-media post announced that “Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World.” He claimed that Landry had approached him about the appointment, calling him a “deal guy” and a “deal-maker type guy.” Landry responded on his own social-media account, stating that it was an honor to serve “in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.” He also noted that he would continue to serve as Louisiana’s elected governor.
Danish Foreign Minister’s Reaction
The Danish foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, told Danish broadcasters TV2 and DR that he would summon the U.S. ambassador in Copenhagen, Kenneth Howery, to his ministry. The summons came after a report in August that at least three people connected to Trump had carried out covert influence operations in Greenland. The Danish government had not received any warning from the U.S. administration before the announcement, according to an anonymous Danish official.
Historical Context and Past Tensions
Trump has repeatedly called for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland and has not ruled out military force to seize the mineral-rich, strategically located island. In March, Vice President JD Vance visited a remote U.S. military base in Greenland and accused Denmark of under-investing there. These actions have gradually drawn the issue out of the headlines, but the August report and the envoy appointment have reignited tensions.
U.S. Statements and Justifications
Deputy White House press secretary Anna Kelly said Monday that the creation of the special envoy role reflected the administration’s view of Greenland as “a strategically important location in the Arctic for maintaining peace through strength.” Trump also said on Monday at his Mar-a-Lago resort that “We need Greenland for national security” and pointed to Russian and Chinese naval activity along the coast.
International Support
U.S. officials have not warned Denmark about the envoy, and Danish officials were surprised that the U.S. national security strategy did not mention either Greenland or the Arctic. Earlier this month, the Danish Defense Intelligence Service released an annual report stating that the U.S. is using its economic power to “assert its will” and threaten military force against both friends and foes.
Denmark’s membership in the European Union and NATO underscores the broader international implications. Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the EU’s executive commission, posted on social media that “Arctic security is a key priority” and that “territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.” She added, “We stand in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.”
Key Takeaways
- Denmark and Greenland insist the U.S. will not take over Greenland and demand respect for their sovereignty.
- President Trump announced Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, citing national security.
- Danish officials summoned the U.S. ambassador and expressed surprise that the U.S. strategy omitted Greenland.
The debate over Greenland’s status highlights the delicate balance of Arctic geopolitics and the enduring principle that national borders and sovereignty remain central to international law.
