Overview
- President Donald Trump named Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland, with Landry calling it a volunteer role and vowing to “make Greenland a part of the U.S.” while remaining governor.
- Denmark summoned the U.S. ambassador and condemned the appointment, and Danish and Greenlandic leaders jointly reaffirmed that Greenland’s sovereignty and borders must be respected under international law.
- Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the move “doesn’t change anything” for the island and reiterated that Greenlanders will decide their own future.
- Trump told reporters that the U.S. “needs” Greenland for national security rather than minerals and said Landry would “lead the charge,” citing concerns about Russian and Chinese activity near the island.
- European officials backed Denmark, with EU leaders stressing territorial integrity, while a recent Danish intelligence assessment warned that the U.S. has been using economic pressure and threatening military force, even toward allies.