Denmark plans to summon the United States ambassador following Washington’s decision to appoint a special envoy to Greenland, escalating diplomatic friction over the Arctic territory. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said he would seek talks as early as Monday or Tuesday, calling the move unacceptable and deeply concerning for Copenhagen.
“I’m deeply upset about the appointment and the statement, which I find completely unacceptable,” Løkke Rasmussen told broadcaster TV2, signalling that Denmark expects a direct explanation from US officials. The foreign ministry declined further comment, pointing to the minister’s interview.
The reaction follows an announcement by President Donald Trump that Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry will serve as the US Special Envoy to Greenland. In a social media post late Sunday, Trump said: “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.”
Denmark’s political leadership moved quickly to restate its position. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen wrote on Instagram: “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders, and the U.S. should not take over Greenland.” She added: “No one should be allowed to change national borders by force. Neither politically nor militarily,” stressing expectations that Denmark’s territorial integrity will be respected.
Since beginning his second presidential term, Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States needs Greenland for security reasons. He has declined to rule out the use of force, raising alarm in both Denmark and Greenland. The island is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and holds strategic value due to its location and natural resources.
Greenland’s leaders, however, have pushed back against Washington’s rhetoric. They have shown limited interest in turning the territory into a major mining hub and have criticised suggestions that Greenland should become part of the United States.
For European policymakers, the episode underscores rising geopolitical pressure in the Arctic, where security, resources, and sovereignty increasingly intersect. Denmark’s move to call in the US ambassador signals that the dispute has shifted from rhetoric to formal diplomatic engagement, with implications for transatlantic relations and regional stability.
Related Readings:
