Trump states that the US ‘must possess’ Greenland following the appointment of a special envoy.

Donald Trump has ignited a new controversy with Denmark after designating a special envoy to Greenland, the expansive Arctic territory he has expressed interest in annexing.

In reply to a BBC inquiry regarding Jeff Landry’s new assignment, the Republican governor of Louisiana, Trump claimed that the United States required Greenland for “national defense” and asserted, “we must have it”.

Trump mentioned that Landry would “spearhead” efforts as the special envoy to Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark.

This decision has infuriated Copenhagen, which announced it would summon the US ambassador for “an explanation”. The prime minister of Greenland stated that the island must “choose our own destiny” and emphasized that its “territorial integrity must be upheld”.

Governor Landry declared in a post on X that it was a privilege to take on a “volunteer role to integrate Greenland into the US”.

Since his return to the White House in January, Trump has reignited his longstanding fascination with Greenland, highlighting its strategic significance and mineral resources.

He has not dismissed the possibility of resorting to force to assume control over the island, a position that has alarmed Denmark, a NATO ally that has historically fostered strong ties with Washington.

“We need to sort that out,” Trump remarked. “Greenland is vital for our national security, not merely for its minerals.”

Trump specifically identified Chinese and Russian vessels as potential dangers in the adjacent waters.

Greenland, with a population of around 57,000, has enjoyed significant self-governance since 1979, although defense and foreign affairs remain under Danish control. While many Greenlanders support the long-term goal of independence from Denmark, polls indicate overwhelming opposition to joining the US.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, termed Landry’s appointment “extremely troubling” and cautioned Washington to honor Danish sovereignty.

He informed Danish outlet TV2: “As long as we maintain a kingdom composed of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, we cannot tolerate actions that jeopardize our territorial integrity.”

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, indicated that the territory was open to collaboration with the US and other nations, but only with mutual respect as the foundation.

He stated: “The designation of a special envoy alters nothing for us. We control our own future. Greenland is for Greenlanders, and territorial integrity must be honored.”

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in a post on X that the EU expresses “full solidarity with Denmark and the inhabitants of Greenland”.

Earlier, the US president noted on social media that Landry recognized how “crucial Greenland is to our national security” and would support US interests.

This appointment’s importance lies in the US assumption that Greenland operates independently of Denmark, along with the newly appointed envoy’s claim that he will aid the island in joining the US.

Envoys are unofficial positions and, unlike accredited diplomats, do not require the approval of the host nation.

This appointment indicates that Trump’s aspirations to dominate Greenland remain unwavering.

As evidenced by his military engagement and assertive rhetoric towards Venezuela, it reflects Trump’s determination to extend control over what his recent National Security Strategy termed “the Western hemisphere,” a domain he envisions encompassing the entire Americas.

Trump attempted to purchase Greenland during his initial presidential term. Both Denmark and the Greenlandic government dismissed the 2019 offer, asserting: “Greenland is not on the market.”

Landry has previously articulated his views on Greenland, stating on his personal X account in January: “President Donald J. Trump is completely correct! We must ensure that Greenland becomes part of the United States. BENEFICIAL for them, BENEFICIAL for us! Let’s get going!”

Landry is a military veteran and former law enforcement officer who served as a US Congressman and Louisiana’s attorney general prior to his election as governor in 2023. He mentioned that his new position would not interfere with his responsibilities as governor.

The contention surrounding his appointment arises as rivalry in the Arctic intensifies, with melting ice revealing new shipping paths and enhancing access to precious mineral resources.

Greenland is strategically situated in the Arctic between North America and Europe, making it essential to US and NATO security strategies.

The United States has retained a military installation in Greenland since World War II, following its invasion to set up military and communication outposts across the area after the Nazis occupied Denmark during the war.

Vice-President JD Vance toured the base in March while urging Greenland’s populace to “strike a bargain with the US”.

The US reopened a consulate in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, in 2020 – during Trump’s first term – after its closure in 1953. Several European nations, as well as Canada, maintain honorary general consulates in Greenland.

Additional reporting by Bernd Debusmann Jr in Mar-a-Lago