Appointment of US special envoy for Greenland sparks reactions in Denmark

Danish politicians renewed criticism of Washington’s interest in Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, after US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced the appointment of a special envoy to the autonomous territory.

Danish lawmakers from different political parties reiterated their concern about the US interest in Greenland, expressing that it is a “dangerous” move.

Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said they will summon the US ambassador for explanation after the appointment of the special envoy, the Danish public broadcaster DR reported on Monday.

The Socialist Party’s Greenland spokesman Karsten Honge says that the appointment is dangerous for Greenland and the realm, but in reality also for the whole world, according to the broadcaster.

The Danish government has handled the situation “well” so far,” he noted, saying the country’s position must be that they must have strong allies and show the Americans that there are great political costs to attacking another country.

Honge also said that he thinks Rasmussen should have a talk with Jeff Landry, US’ Louisiana governor, who has been named as Washington’s special envoy to Greenland.

Trump ‍on Sunday announced he ⁠is appointing Landry to serve as the US special envoy to the autonomous territory of Denmark that Trump previously said the US needs to take over.

“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,” Trump said in announcing the appointment.

Landry is known for his support to Trump’s renew interests in Greenland as he wrote on US social media company X on Jan. 10 that the US “need to ensure that Greenland joins the United States,” adding such a move would be “great” for both Greenland and the US.

Meanwhile, former Greenlandic government advisor Julie Rademacher said the appointment is not “surprising.”

It is not at all surprising that the US has now appointed a special envoy to Greenland.

For his part, Social Liberal Party leader Martin Lidegaard noted that the development showed Trump has not forgotten his wish to take over Greenland.

“He wants to actively signal this with the appointment of a special envoy. But Greenland’s future is and will be Greenland’s own choice,” he added.

Red-Green Alliance spokesperson Pelle Dragsted called the announcement “serious,” stressing that the government must expresses its position clearly and distinctly that it is “unacceptable.”

Trump renewed his interest in Greenland following his reelection as the US president due to its strategic location and vast mineral resources.

He previously described owning Greenland as an “absolute necessity” for US economic security, comparing the acquisition to a “large real estate deal.”

However, neither Denmark nor Greenland are keen to greenlight US ownership of the island, as repeatedly expressed in response to Trump’s overtures.

Formerly a Danish colony, Greenland achieved home rule in 1979 and remains a territory of Denmark.

In 2008, Greenland held a referendum where 75.5% of voters approved the Self-Government Act, which came into effect on June 21, 2009, granting Greenland greater autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark while retaining Danish control over foreign policy, defense, and security.