COPENHAGEN – Denmark’s foreign minister emphasized on Monday that the United States, along with all other nations, must honor “the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.” This statement followed President Donald Trump’s decision to designate Louisiana’s governor as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland.
During his presidential transition and early into his second term, Trump repeatedly expressed interest in bringing Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory known for its mineral wealth and strategic Arctic location, under U.S. control. He has not dismissed the possibility of using military means to achieve this. In March, Vice President JD Vance visited a remote American military outpost in Greenland, criticizing Denmark for what he described as inadequate investment in the region.
While the situation had largely faded from public discourse, it resurfaced in August when Danish authorities called in the U.S. ambassador after reports surfaced of covert influence operations in Greenland involving at least three individuals linked to Trump. It is important to note that Denmark is a NATO ally of the United States.
On Sunday, Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the special envoy to Greenland. Trump stated, “Jeff understands the crucial role Greenland plays in our national security and will vigorously promote our country’s interests for the safety, security, and survival of our allies, and indeed, the world.”
In a social media post, Landry expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to integrate Greenland into the U.S.”
In response, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen pointed out in a brief email statement from his ministry that “the appointment underscores the ongoing American interest in Greenland.”
“However, we insist that everyone — including the U.S. — must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark,” he added.
Earlier this month, the Danish Defense Intelligence Service said in an annual report that the U.S. is using its economic power to “assert its will” and threaten military force against friend and foe alike.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
