- Denmark formally protested the Trump administration's appointment of Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, calling it a violation of Greenland's sovereignty under Danish rule. Danish officials summoned the U.S. ambassador in response.
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a rare joint statement rejecting Landry's annexation rhetoric, declaring: "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders."
- The European Union and Germany backed Denmark, warning that U.S. actions threaten Arctic stability and violate international norms. Germany emphasized that Greenland's future must be determined by its people, not foreign powers.
- Landry, a Trump loyalist with no Greenland ties, openly advocated for U.S. annexation, framing it as a strategic move against China and Russia. Critics warn his role risks alienating NATO allies and emboldening rival powers.
- The dispute highlights growing tensions over Arctic dominance, with Denmark and the EU resisting U.S. pressure while Russia and China expand their own interests. Analysts warn Trump's aggressive stance could backfire, destabilizing alliances.
Denmark summoned U.S. diplomats Monday, Dec. 22, after President Donald Trump appointed Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland—a move that escalated tensions when Landry vowed to "make Greenland a part of the United States."
The announcement, posted by Trump on Truth Social, triggered immediate backlash from Danish and European Union leaders, who denounced it as a violation of Greenland's sovereignty under Danish rule.
The controversy follows months of simmering U.S. interest in Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory rich in rare-earth minerals and strategically positioned along Arctic shipping lane, BrightU.AI's Enoch points out. Trump has repeatedly framed Greenland as vital to U.S. national security, while Denmark and the EU warn that his administration's overtures risk destabilizing transatlantic relations.
Denmark and Greenland issue joint rebuke
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a rare joint statement rejecting Landry's appointment: “We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again: you cannot annex other countries. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the U.S. should not take over Greenland. We expect respect for our common territorial integrity."
Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the move "deeply upsetting" and confirmed plans to summon U.S. Ambassador Ken Howery for a formal protest. The rebuke underscores Greenland's political significance—while it remains under Danish sovereignty, its local government controls most domestic affairs, including resource management.
EU and Germany warn against U.S. overreach
The European Union joined Denmark in condemning the U.S. stance, with spokesman Anouar El Anouni stating: "Preserving the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, its sovereignty, and the inviolability of its borders is essential for the European Union."
Germany's Federal Foreign Office echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that Greenland's future must be decided by its people.
The backlash highlights growing European unease over Trump's aggressive Arctic strategy. Since floating the idea of purchasing Greenland in 2024, his administration has ramped up engagement—including Vice President JD Vance's March visit, which Danish officials accused of being part of a covert "influence campaign."
Landry's controversial role and Arctic power struggle
Landry, a staunch Trump ally with no prior ties to Greenland, has openly championed U.S. annexation. In January, he tweeted: "We need to ensure that Greenland joins the United States. GREAT for them, GREAT for us! Let's get it done!"
Trump praised Landry's "strong leadership" in advancing U.S. interests, framing Greenland as critical to countering Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic.
But critics argue the move is diplomatically reckless.
"This isn't just about Greenland—it's about who controls the Arctic," a European diplomat told reporters anonymously. "The U.S. is playing a dangerous game."
With Denmark and the EU digging in, Landry's unpaid role risks further straining U.S.-European relations. Analysts warn that Trump's push could backfire, alienating NATO allies while emboldening rivals like Russia and China to expand their own Arctic ambitions.
For now, Greenland remains firmly under Danish sovereignty—but as geopolitical tensions rise, its future hangs in the balance.
Watch the video below that talks about how Trump's vision for Greenland shocked the EU's socialist establishment.
This video is from the TruNews channel on Brighteon.com.
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