US President Donald Trump announced on October 15, 2023, his decision to appoint a special envoy to Greenland, a move that has sparked significant concern among leaders in Denmark and Greenland regarding potential US territorial ambitions. The appointment of Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana, was revealed through a social media post where Trump emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland to US national security.
“Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World,” Trump stated. This unexpected announcement comes in the wake of Trump’s earlier expressions of interest in acquiring the territory, which he has described as having strategic significance and rich mineral resources.
In response, Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Premier of Greenland, issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of respecting established sovereign boundaries. They asserted, “We have said it before. Now, we say it again. National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law. They are fundamental principles. You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security.”
The diplomatic backlash was swift, with Danish leaders expressing concerns that the appointment of an envoy could signal a renewed interest in the US asserting control over Greenland. The Danish government plans to summon Ken Howery, US Ambassador to Denmark, for discussions on the implications of this appointment and to seek clarity on the US intentions regarding Greenland.
This latest development highlights ongoing strains in the relationship between the US and its traditional European allies. Last month, the White House released a National Security Strategy that emphasized US influence in the Western Hemisphere while criticizing European leadership. Such statements have raised doubts about the US commitment to international security agreements, including NATO, of which Denmark is a member.
Trump’s previous comments about Greenland, made during the earlier months of his second term, included references to the territory’s strategic location as a justification for seeking greater US involvement there. These remarks have drawn widespread criticism, with international leaders arguing that any attempt to annex Greenland would violate international law and damage US relations with European powers.
The current diplomatic tensions underscore a complex and evolving international landscape, where issues of sovereignty and national interests are increasingly coming to the fore. As the situation develops, the global community will be watching closely to see how the US navigates its relationships with Denmark and Greenland, two nations with deep historical ties to the United States.
