Trump appoints envoy to Greenland, stirs backlash

US President Donald Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff ‍Landry as special envoy for Greenland, facing renewed criticism from Denmark and Greenland over Washington’s interest in the mineral-rich Arctic island.

Trump has advocated for Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, to become part of the United States, citing its strategic importance and mineral resources. Landry, who takes office as governor in January 2024, has publicly supported the idea.

“You cannot annex another country. Even with a discussion about international security,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a joint statement on Monday. they said.

“Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and the United States will not take over Greenland.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Jeff understands how important Greenland is to our National Security and will strongly advance our Nation’s Interests for the Safety, Security and Survival of our Allies and indeed the World.”

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Landry thanked Trump in his post about

The Trump administration put further pressure on Copenhagen on Monday by suspending leases for five major offshore wind projects being built off the US East Coast; two of these were developed by Denmark’s state-controlled Orsted.

Greenland, a former Danish colony with a population of about 57,000, has the right to declare independence under a 2009 agreement but remains heavily dependent on fishing and Danish subsidies.

Its strategic location between Europe and North America makes it a key site for the US ballistic missile defense system, while its mineral wealth has increased US interest in reducing dependence on Chinese exports.

Nielsen, from Greenland, commented on Facebook: “We woke up to a new announcement from the US president. This may sound big, but it doesn’t change anything for us. We decide our own future.”

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Monday that he would summon U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Howery, who promised “mutual respect” during his recent visit to Greenland.

“Suddenly we have a special US presidential envoy who, in his opinion, is tasked with seizing Greenland. This is of course completely unacceptable,” Rasmussen told TV2.

Denmark is trying to ease tensions with the Trump administration by investing in Arctic defense to respond to U.S. criticism of inadequate security while trying to mend ties with Greenland that were strained last year.

“This is a difficult situation that our allies have put us in for a lifetime,” Prime Minister Frederiksen said in an Instagram post.