In a move that has sharply escalated diplomatic tensions, former US President Donald Trump's appointment of a special envoy for Greenland has triggered a furious response from Denmark. The Scandinavian nation, which governs Greenland's foreign and security policy, stated it was not informed about the decision, deepening its concerns about Washington's ambitions for the strategic Arctic territory.
An Unwelcome Surprise and a Firm Rejection
On Sunday, December 22, 2024, Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a voluntary special envoy for Greenland. Trump declared on social media that Landry "understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security." Landry himself echoed this sentiment on platform X, calling it an honour to take up the role "to make Greenland a part of the U.S."
The announcement was met with immediate and strong condemnation from Copenhagen. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a sharp joint statement, asserting, "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the U.S. shall not take over Greenland. We expect respect for our joint territorial integrity." They emphasised that national borders and state sovereignty are firmly rooted in international law.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed his outrage, labelling the appointment and accompanying statement as "completely unacceptable." He revealed plans to summon the US ambassador to Denmark to formally protest and demand an explanation for a move he said came "out of nowhere."
A Pattern of Arctic Ambition and Danish Defence
This incident is not an isolated one. Trump has expressed a desire to acquire or control Greenland since his first term, criticising Denmark for what he perceives as inadequate security for the vast, ice-covered island. Greenland is larger than Alaska but has a population of only about 57,000 people.
In response to Trump's persistent interest, Denmark has significantly bolstered its Arctic defences. This year, it increased its Arctic and North Atlantic defence budget by a substantial $6.6 billion. This funding is earmarked for enhanced monitoring using drones, aircraft, and radar systems. Furthermore, Denmark is spending an additional $4.5 billion to purchase 16 more F-35 fighter jets from the US, bringing its total fleet to 43. These advanced jets are used, among other missions, to patrol Greenland's airspace.
The Envoy and a Covert Campaign?
The newly appointed envoy, Jeff Landry, is a staunch Trump ally known for his anti-abortion and tough-on-crime policies in Louisiana. He has no known prior connection to Greenland. His public support for Trump's stance on the island dates back to January 2024, when he posted on X, "We need to ensure that Greenland joins the United States. GREAT for them, GREAT for us! Let’s get it done!"
Landry is the latest in a series of Trump-linked appointments focused on the Arctic region. In October, PayPal co-founder Ken Howery was confirmed as the US Ambassador to Denmark, with Greenland as a key part of his portfolio. Just last week, Trump named venture capitalist Thomas Dans as head of the US Arctic Research Commission. Dans has actively cultivated ties in Greenland and earlier this year arranged a visit for Donald Trump Jr.
These activities have previously raised alarms in Copenhagen. In August, the Danish foreign minister summoned the US chargé d'affaires over concerns that Washington was conducting a covert influence campaign aimed at driving a wedge between Denmark and Greenland.
Amid the current uproar, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen sought to calm tensions. In a Facebook post, he acknowledged waking up to "a new statement from the American president" but downplayed its immediate impact. "It may sound like a big deal. But it doesn't change anything for us," he wrote, adding that Greenland is open to cooperation with all countries, including the US, provided it is based on mutual respect for their values and wishes.
