President Donald Trump reaffirmed the United States’ need for Greenland for “national security,” appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to the Arctic island.
Trump stated, “We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals… you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need it for national security. We have to have it,” while in Palm Beach, Florida.
What they’re saying: The announcement drew criticism from Denmark and Greenland; Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen insisted, “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and the U.S. shall not take over Greenland.”
- In response to his appointment, Landry posted on X: “It’s an honor to serve … in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S. This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”
Zoom in; The Trump administration further pressured Denmark by suspending leases for five major offshore wind projects, including two developed by Denmark’s Orsted.
- Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called the appointment “completely unacceptable” and planned to summon the U.S. ambassador.
- Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory with a population of about 57,000, is significant for its strategic location and mineral resources, as well as U.S. missile defense.
- Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated on Facebook: “This may sound big, but it does not change anything for us. We decide our own future.”
