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President Trump repeatedly floated the idea of US control over Greenland during his presidential transition and the early months of his second term, at times refusing to rule out the use of military force.
Jeff Landry and Donald Trump (Photo: Reuters)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 23, 2025 03:38 IST
A fresh diplomatic storm broke across the Arctic on Monday after President Donald Trump announced Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special US envoy to Greenland. The US action drew sharp rebukes from Denmark and Greenland, along with warnings that national borders are not up for negotiation.
Denmark’s foreign minister said he would summon the US ambassador following Trump’s surprise announcement, which revived long-running tensions over Washington’s interest in the vast, mineral-rich Arctic territory that remains part of the Danish kingdom, according to the Associated Press.
"We have said it before. Now, we say it again," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a joint statement. " borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law. You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security."
"Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and the US shall not take over Greenland," the statement added. "We expect respect for our joint territorial integrity."
SURPRISE ENVOY APPOINTMENT SPARKS BACKLASH
Trump announced Landry’s appointment on Sunday, describing Greenland as essential to US national security and saying the Louisiana governor would strongly advance our Country’s interests for the safety, security, and survival of our allies.
Landry welcomed the role, writing on social media that it was an honour to serve and vowing to work to make Greenland a part of the US. His remarks further inflamed concerns in Copenhagen and Nuuk.
WASHINGTON REVIVES GREENLAND BID
Trump repeatedly floated the idea of US control over Greenland during his presidential transition and the early months of his second term, at times refusing to rule out the use of military force. In March, Vice President JD Vance visited a US military base on the island and accused Denmark of under-investing in Arctic security.
While the issue faded from headlines for several months, it resurfaced in August when Danish authorities summoned the top US diplomat in Copenhagen after reports that people linked to Trump had conducted covert influence efforts in Greenland.
On Monday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he would formally summon US Ambassador Kenneth Howery.
The controversy drew support from Europe’s top leadership. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said Arctic security is a priority for the European Union but repeated that sovereignty is non-negotiable.
- Ends
With inputs from agencies
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Dec 23, 2025
