Overview
- President Donald Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, and Landry said his aim is to make the island part of the United States.
- Denmark’s foreign minister called the move unacceptable and, alongside a joint statement from Danish and Greenlandic leaders, asserted that Greenland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.
- The European Union’s top officials publicly backed Denmark, stressing that any change in Greenland’s status lies with Danes and Greenlanders under international law.
- Trump reiterated that the United States “needs” Greenland for national security, said the goal is not mineral resources, cited Russian and Chinese activity, and criticized Denmark for insufficient investment in the territory.
- No legal change has occurred to Greenland’s status as an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, polls show strong local opposition to joining the United States, and the U.S. presence continues to include the long-running Thule/Pituffik Air Base.