Denmark has condemned the United States’ decision to appoint a special envoy to Greenland, calling the move “totally unacceptable” and summoning the US ambassador for explanations.
The reaction followed the nomination by US President Donald Trump of Louisiana republican Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory that the former president has repeatedly suggested should become part of the United States.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said he was “deeply angry” about the appointment, adding that Copenhagen would formally raise the issue with Washington in the coming days.
Trump announced the nomination on his Truth Social platform, arguing that Greenland was of strategic importance to US national security. He said Landry would work to defend American interests, as well as those of US allies.
Danish MEP Anders Vistisen told Brussels Signal that the appointment reflected what he described as a flawed view of national security.
“Contrary to what US President Trump thinks, the territories of other countries are not put there simply to geographically defend the United States,” he said, adding that Denmark was a committed NATO member whose soldiers had taken part in alliance missions.
While Denmark shared concerns about the growing influence of China and Russia in the Arctic, Vistisen said this did not justify what he described as expansionist rhetoric directed at a NATO ally.
He stressed that Greenland was both an integral and autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that its status was not up for negotiation. “It is not for sale, nor is it an item to be robbed,” he said.
Greenland governs its own domestic affairs, while Denmark retains responsibility for foreign policy, defence and security. Decisions affecting the territory’s international position are traditionally taken with both Danish and Greenlandic representatives involved.
US interest in Greenland has intensified since Trump returned to office in January, with the president repeatedly citing national security concerns to justify his claims. Danish media have recently reported efforts by Washington to establish more direct contacts with Greenland’s government, a move that has caused unease in Copenhagen.
Landry posted on X that it was an honour to take on the role, adding that he would work to make Greenland “a part of the US”.
Thank you @realDonaldTrump! It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S. This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!
— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) December 22, 2025
European leaders also weighed in following the announcement. Germany’s foreign ministry said it had “taken note of the new announcement” and stressed that its position remained unchanged.
“The future of Greenland lies in the hands of the Greenlanders,” a spokesperson said.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen echoed that view, saying respect for sovereignty remained fundamental. “We have said it before. Now, we say it again. National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law,” they said together.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa reiterated calls for respect for territorial integrity
