Trump’s special envoy to Greenland sparks backlash with comments about taking over the territory
6:37Houses are depicted in Nuuk, Greenland, on June 15, 2025.Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images
The appointment of a special U.S. envoy to Greenland by President Donald Trump has incited criticism from officials in Denmark and Greenland, who continue to resist the president’s aim to acquire the self-governing Danish territory.
On Sunday, Trump revealed that he is designating Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, stating in a social media update that the governor "recognizes the significance of Greenland to our National Security, and will vigorously promote our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World."
In reaction, Landry mentioned on X that the special envoy role would be "a volunteer position to integrate Greenland into the U.S."
Houses are depicted in Nuuk, Greenland, on June 15, 2025.Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images
In light of Trump’s announcement, the prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland reaffirmed that "national borders and the sovereignty of states are grounded in international law."
"One cannot annex another nation. Not even under the pretext of international security," the leaders asserted in a joint declaration. "Greenland is the property of the Greenlanders, and the U.S. shall not take over Greenland."
Denmark’s foreign affairs minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, also expressed strong disapproval regarding the appointment and Landry’s comments, informing reporters on Monday, "I am extremely troubled by this appointment of a special envoy. And I am particularly disturbed by the envoy’s statements, which we find entirely unacceptable."
Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, addresses the media as he arrives at NATO headquarters for a NATO Foreign Affairs Ministers’ meeting on December 03, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium.Omar Havana/Getty Images
Rasmussen stated he would convene the U.S. ambassador to Denmark — Ken Howery — regarding the appointment to "once again emphasize that certain boundaries are being crossed here, but also to obtain an explanation."
"We believed that we now had a U.S. ambassador in Denmark, with whom we would maintain a relationship throughout the Kingdom," Rasmussen remarked. "I think we have already established a solid working relationship, and it is also my impression that the ambassador shares that view. Out of nowhere, there is now a special U.S. presidential representative, who, according to himself, is assigned with taking over Greenland. This is, of course, entirely unacceptable."
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry speaks to reporters at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, La., Sept. 3, 2025.Gerald Herbert/AP
Landry seems to be the inaugural U.S. special envoy to Greenland. He mentioned on Sunday that his role will not interfere with his existing duties as governor.
Landry stated in a video shared on social media on Monday that Trump had contacted him and asked if he could "go to Greenland and discuss the possibility of becoming part of the United States."
Later on Monday, Trump informed reporters that Landry had reached out to him about the necessity of Greenland for national security and that the governor wished to "lead the charge." ABC News has contacted Landry’s office for a response.
Landry has previously expressed support for Trump’s idea to
Sourse: abcnews.go.com