U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, a move that has drawn swift criticism from Denmark and Greenland and renewed debate over Washington’s interest in the Arctic island.
The announcement underscored Trump’s long-standing view that Greenland holds strategic and economic value for the United States, while prompting firm objections from leaders in Copenhagen and Nuuk who rejected any notion of annexation.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said Landry understands Greenland’s importance to U.S. national security and would advance American interests for the safety of allies.
Landry publicly welcomed the appointment, describing it as an honor and stating that it would not affect his role as Louisiana’s governor.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a joint statement rejecting the U.S. position.
"You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security," they said.
"Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and the U.S. shall not take over Greenland."
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said he was “deeply upset” by the appointment and planned to summon the U.S. ambassador, calling the move unacceptable.
Greenland’s Nielsen later said the announcement did not change the island’s position, emphasizing that decisions about its future rest with its people.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the criticism.
Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark with the right to declare independence under a 2009 agreement, though it remains economically reliant on fishing and Danish subsidies.
Its location between Europe and North America has made it significant for U.S. ballistic missile defense, while its mineral resources have heightened American interest in the region.
The Trump administration also increased pressure on Denmark by suspending leases for several offshore wind projects in the United States, including developments linked to Denmark’s state-controlled energy firm Orsted.
Analysts in Denmark said the envoy appointment suggested that recent Danish investments in Arctic defense and efforts to ease tensions with Washington had not altered U.S. policy.