Trump’s newly appointed envoy to Greenland says US not looking to ‘conquer’ the Danish territory
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s Newly appointed ambassador to Greenland The Republican administration is trying to start talks with residents of the semi-autonomous Danish territory about the best path forward for the strategically important island, he said on Tuesday.
In his first comprehensive comments since his appointment this week, he said: Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the Trump administration “won’t go in there trying to conquer anybody” or try to “take over anybody’s country.”
The governor’s comments appeared to be somewhat at odds with Trump, who has repeatedly said the United States must seize the Arctic region for the sake of its security and has not ruled out military force to seize control of the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island.
“Well, I think our discussions should be with the real people in Greenland, the Greenlanders,” Landry said during an appearance on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show.” “What are they looking for? What opportunities aren’t they getting? Why aren’t they getting the protection they deserve?”
Trump’s announcement of Landry’s appointment once again caused concern in Denmark and Europe.
Denmark’s foreign minister told Danish broadcasters that he would summon the US ambassador to his ministry.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart said, “We have said it before. Now we say it again. National borders and the sovereignty of states are based on international law.” Jens-Frederik NielsenHe said in a joint statement on Monday. “These are fundamental principles. You cannot annex another country. Even with an argument about international security.”
Trump repeatedly claimed U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland during the presidential transition and in the early months of his second term. In March, Vice President J.D. Vance visited a remote. US military base in Greenland and Accused Denmark of insufficient investment There.
The issue gradually faded from the headlines, but in August Danish officials summon top US diplomat to Copenhagen It follows a report that at least three people with ties to Trump were running covert influence operations in Greenland.
The Trump administration gave no warning before announcing Landry’s appointment, according to a Danish government official who discussed internal deliberations on condition of anonymity.
The administration has not yet provided Congress with any details about the appointment, according to a congressional aide who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Trump is renewing the Greenland debate at a time when he has no shortage of foreign policy crises to contend with, including maintaining a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and negotiating an end to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s brutal war in Ukraine.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, questioned Tuesday the wisdom of “fighting with friends” during such a difficult time around the world.
“Greenland’s sovereignty is not up for debate,” Shaheen said. “Denmark is a critical NATO ally that stands with the United States”
