Overview
- President Donald Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland, and Landry said he will serve in a volunteer role to “make Greenland a part of the U.S.” while remaining governor.
- Danish and Greenlandic leaders rejected any takeover bid, stressing that borders and sovereignty are grounded in international law and that Greenland will decide its own future.
- Denmark moved to summon Ambassador Ken Howery over the appointment, and European Union leaders voiced full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland on protecting territorial integrity.
- Trump told reporters the U.S. needs Greenland for national security rather than for minerals, citing Russian and Chinese activity near the island and saying Landry would “lead the charge.”
- The dispute follows months of strain, including Denmark’s August summons over reported U.S.-linked influence operations and a Danish intelligence assessment warning that Washington is asserting its will through economic pressure and potential military coercion.