Denmark Summons US Ambassador Over Trump's Appointment of Greenland Envoy
Denmark has decided to summon the US ambassador following President Trump's appointment of Jeff Landry, governor of Louisiana, as the US special envoy to Greenland. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed that he is deeply angered by the move and will seek an explanation from Washington.
Trump cited national security interests as the reason for naming a special envoy to Greenland, a territory strategically important due to its Arctic location amid increasing attention from the US, China, and Russia. Greenland's position is significant as climate change opens new sea routes, and the island lies on a possible missile route between Russia and the US.
Greenland, with a population of about 57,000, has seen a January poll indicating that most of its residents desire independence but do not favor US membership. Both Danish and Greenlandic leaders have maintained that Greenland is not for sale and that decisions about its future should be made by Greenland with respect for the Kingdom of Denmark's territorial integrity.
Earlier developments include Denmark summoning the US chargé d’affaires in August 2025 over reports of interference in Greenland affairs. Reports also state that at least three US officials close to Trump were seen in Nuuk assessing perspectives on closer ties, and the US opened a consulate in Greenland in June 2020.
