Trump said the United States requires Greenland for what he described as “national protection,” asserting that American security interests demand a stronger presence on the island.
Washington DC [US], December 23, 2025, BNN Web Staff: US President Donald Trump has reignited diplomatic friction with Denmark after appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, the strategically located Arctic island that Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in bringing under American control.
Responding to media questions about the appointment, Trump said the United States requires Greenland for what he described as “national protection,” asserting that American security interests demand a stronger presence on the island.
He added that Landry would “lead the effort” in his new role as envoy to Greenland, which remains a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The announcement drew a sharp reaction from Copenhagen, with Danish officials stating that the US ambassador would be summoned to provide clarification on Washington’s intentions. Greenland’s Prime Minister also pushed back, emphasising that the island’s future must be determined by its own people and that its territorial sovereignty must be respected.
In a post on social media platform X, Governor Landry said he was honoured to take on what he described as a voluntary role, aimed at advancing closer ties between Greenland and the United States.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has renewed his long-standing interest in Greenland, pointing to its strategic Arctic location and growing global competition in the region.
He has previously declined to rule out the use of force to secure US control over the island, remarks that have unsettled Denmark, a NATO ally and long-time US partner.
Trump reiterated that his interest in Greenland is rooted in security concerns rather than access to natural resources, citing increased activity by Chinese and Russian vessels in nearby waters as a potential threat.
Greenland, with a population of roughly 57,000, has enjoyed broad self-rule since 1979, though defence and foreign affairs remain under Danish authority.
While many Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, surveys consistently indicate strong resistance to any proposal for the island to become part of the United States.
