US-Denmark Tensions Escalate Over Greenland as Trump Pushes for Control

Diplomatic tensions between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland have sharply increased. US Special Envoy to Greenland Jeff Landry has made serious accusations against Denmark. He claims Denmark "reoccupied" Greenland after World War Two. Landry says Denmark did this by ignoring United Nations protocol. This revives a long-standing historical argument. Washington is currently weighing its options regarding the Arctic island.

'History Matters': Landry Invokes WWII Role

Jeff Landry serves as the Governor of Louisiana. US President Donald Trump appointed him as special envoy. Landry stresses that history must inform current debates about Greenland's future. He wrote about this on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Landry stated the United States protected Greenland's sovereignty during WWII. He said Denmark could not do this at the time. "History matters," Landry wrote. "The U.S. defended Greenland's sovereignty during WWII when Denmark couldn't. After the war, Denmark re-occupied it—side stepping and ignoring UN protocol. This should be about hospitality, not hostility."

Landry argues the US stepped in to ensure Greenland's security when Nazi Germany occupied Denmark. He claims Copenhagen's post-war return to the island violated international norms.

Claims of UN Protocol Violations

Landry has repeatedly claimed Denmark re-established control over Greenland after the war. He says this happened "in circumvention of UN norms and protocols." Landry frames the issue as one of unresolved historical legitimacy. He says the United States' approach toward Greenland should be seen as cooperative. He insists it is not aggressive.

Trump Pushes Strategic Case for Greenland

These comments come as President Donald Trump renews his push for US control over Greenland. Trump cites security threats from Russia and China. He argues Greenland is "surrounded" by Russian and Chinese fleets. Therefore, he says the island is vital to US defence. Trump dismisses the island's current protection as inadequate.

Trump warned he would not allow US adversaries to gain a foothold in the region. He reiterated his stance clearly. "I'd rather make a deal, but one way or the other, we're going to have Greenland," Trump said.

Denmark and Greenland Push Back

Denmark has firmly rejected any suggestion of a US takeover. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a strong warning. She said an American annexation of Greenland would effectively end NATO. "I would therefore strongly urge the United States to stop the threats against a historically close ally and against another country and another people who have said very clearly that they are not for sale," Frederiksen stated.

She stressed that regional security is already guaranteed. Existing international agreements and NATO membership provide this security, she noted.

Greenland Leaders Assert Right to Decide Future

Greenland's leadership has also rejected US pressure. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen took a stand. Leaders of the island's four other parliamentary parties joined him. They issued a powerful joint statement. The statement insists Greenland's future lies solely with its people.

They called for an end to what they described as US disrespect. Greenland has repeatedly stated a clear position. The island's residents do not want to become US citizens.

Diplomatic Strain Deepens

Washington is openly considering a range of options. These options reportedly include military force. The dispute has become one of the most serious rifts between NATO allies in recent years. It raises critical questions about several key issues.