European leaders condemned President Donald Trump’s appointment of Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland, after Landry vowed to “make Greenland a part of the U.S.”—a move Denmark and the EU called a violation of territorial sovereignty,
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
COPENHAGEN/WASHINGTON — European leaders lashed out Monday after President Donald Trump appointed Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland—a self-governing Danish territory—with Landry publicly declaring his intention to “make Greenland a part of the U.S.” in his volunteer role.
The announcement, posted by Trump on Truth Social, sparked fury in Denmark and across the EU, with officials accusing the U.S. of undermining Greenland’s sovereignty.
Denmark and Greenland: “You Cannot Annex Other Countries”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a joint statement Monday, rejecting Landry’s appointment in unequivocal terms: “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 told Danish TV he was “deeply upset“ and planned to summon U.S. Ambassador Ken Howery to register a formal protest.
EU and Germany Join the Backlash
The European Union weighed in, with spokesman Anouar El Anouni stressing that “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 Foreign Ministry also criticized the move, with spokeswoman Kathrin Deschauer stating: “The future of Greenland lies in the hands of Greenlanders.”
Trump’s Strategic Push for Greenland
Trump has long advocated for acquiring Greenland, citing its strategic location between North America and Europe and its vast natural resources. In August 2024, he first floated the idea of purchasing the island, and his administration has since intensified efforts to strengthen U.S. influence there.
Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance visited Greenland in March in a bid to improve U.S.-Greenlandic relations, but Denmark accused the U.S. of conducting an “influence campaign” in the territory.
Landry’s Enthusiastic Endorsement
Landry, a close Trump ally, has no prior ties to Greenland but enthusiastically embraced the idea of 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 appointment, writing on Truth Social: “Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our national security and will strongly advance our country’s interests for the safety, security, and survival of our allies—and indeed, the world.”
What’s Next?
The appointment has escalated tensions between the U.S. and Europe, with Denmark and the EU vowing to defend Greenland’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Landry’s role—though unpaid and unofficial—could further strain transatlantic relations as Trump pushes his geopolitical agenda.
“This isn’t just about Greenland—it’s about who controls the Arctic,” a European diplomat said. “The U.S. is playing a dangerous game.”
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