Denmark has issued a firm diplomatic response after U.S. President Donald Trump appointed a special envoy for Greenland, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to advance Washington’s ambitions over the strategically vital Arctic territory.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said on Monday that Denmark expects all nations – including the United States – to respect its territorial sovereignty, stressing that Greenland remains an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Denmark: Sovereignty Is Non-Negotiable
In an official statement, Rasmussen acknowledged that the appointment “confirms continued American interest in Greenland”, but underlined that respect for territorial integrity is mandatory under international law.
“Everyone – including the United States – must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark,” Rasmussen said.
Danish broadcasters TV2 and DR reported that Rasmussen later announced he would summon U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, Kenneth Howery, for talks at the Foreign Ministry.
Joint Warning From Denmark and Greenland
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a joint statement reinforcing Copenhagen’s position.
“National borders and state sovereignty are embedded in international law,” the statement read.
“These are fundamental principles. You cannot annex another country – not even under the pretext of international security.”
They added unequivocally:
“Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people, and the United States will not take control of Greenland.”
Greenland Rejects U.S. Claims
Nielsen had earlier written on Facebook that Greenland had once again “woken up to a new announcement from the U.S. president,” but emphasized that nothing has changed on the ground.
“Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and its territorial integrity must be respected,” Nielsen wrote, adding that cooperation with other countries is welcome only if it respects Greenlandic values and self-determination.
Trump’s Appointment Sparks Alarm
On Sunday, Trump announced he was appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, arguing that Landry “understands how essential Greenland is to our national security.”
Landry later wrote on X that it was “an honor to serve in this voluntary position to make Greenland part of the United States.”
Trump has repeatedly pursued U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, a vast, mineral-rich island in the North Atlantic, during both his presidential transition and the early months of his second term.
Notably, Trump has refused to rule out the use of military force to seize control of the strategically located territory — statements that have heightened tensions with European allies and raised concerns about respect for international norms.
