Denmark has summoned the United States ambassador following President Donald Trump’s controversial appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen expressed being “deeply angered” by the appointment, highlighting Landry’s statements supporting the idea of making Greenland part of the United States as “totally unacceptable.”

“We demand that Washington respect Danish sovereignty,” Rasmussen said, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would summon the US ambassador for an explanation.

---

Background: Greenland’s Status and US Interest

Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. While it enjoys autonomy, Denmark retains responsibility for foreign affairs and defense. The island has repeatedly asserted that it is not for sale, despite repeated US interest.

President Trump has, on multiple occasions, threatened to annex Greenland, citing its strategic and resource-rich location. In March 2025, Trump did not rule out the use of military force to secure control of the Arctic territory, stating the US would “go as far as we have to.”

Trump justified Landry’s appointment as enhancing US national security interests, posting on his Truth Social platform that the Louisiana governor “understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests.”

---

Controversial Comments by Jeff Landry

In response to his appointment, Landry posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US.”

These remarks have been widely condemned by Denmark, Greenland, and international observers, further straining relations between Copenhagen and Washington.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized that Landry’s appointment “doesn’t change anything for us here at home,” reinforcing Greenland’s right to determine its own future.

---

Public Opinion in Greenland

A January 2025 opinion poll indicated that most of Greenland’s 57,000 residents favor full independence from Denmark, but do not support becoming part of the United States. The island’s population continues to advocate for sovereign decision-making regarding its future political and territorial status.

---

Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

The appointment comes amid a broader pattern of US influence attempts in Greenland. In August 2025, Denmark summoned the US charge d’affaires over reports of a covert US influence campaign. Earlier this month, the Danish Defence Intelligence Service warned that the US was leveraging economic and military pressure to assert influence in Greenland and other Arctic regions.

The Landry appointment adds to these geopolitical tensions, raising concerns over Arctic security, territorial sovereignty, and US-Denmark relations.

---

Strategic Importance of Greenland

Greenland holds critical strategic value due to its location in the Arctic, access to untapped natural resources, and proximity to potential shipping routes emerging from climate-induced ice melt. The island’s autonomy and international partnerships make it a focal point in US-European security discussions, Arctic diplomacy, and global energy strategy.