‘Deeply upset’ reaction as Trump stokes Greenland fire

President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland, reigniting tensions with Denmark and Greenland over the United States’ renewed interest in the Arctic territory.

Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland — a self-governing region under Danish sovereignty — should become part of the US, pointing to its strategic location and vast mineral wealth. Landry, who assumed office as Louisiana’s governor in January 2024, has openly endorsed the proposal.

The move was swiftly condemned by Danish and Greenlandic leaders. In a joint statement released Monday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen rejected the idea outright.

“You cannot annex another country — not even under the pretext of international security,” the statement said. “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the United States will not take control of Greenland.”

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen also criticized the decision, telling Danish broadcaster TV2 that he was “deeply troubled” by Washington’s actions.