West Palm Beach, Florida – President Donald Trump Newly appointed envoy to Greenland He said Tuesday that the Republican administration is looking to start a conversation with residents of the semi-autonomous Danish territory about the best way forward on the strategically important island.
In his first lengthy comments since being appointed to the post this week, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the Trump administration “is not going there to try to invade anyone” or try to “take over anyone’s country.”
The governor’s comments appeared somewhat at odds with Trump, who has repeatedly said the United States needs to control the Arctic region for U.S. security and has not ruled out using military force to take control of the mineral-rich and strategically located Arctic island.
“Well, I think our discussions should be with the actual people in Greenland — the Greenlanders,” Landry said in an appearance on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show.” “What are they looking for? What opportunities are they not getting? Why are they not getting the protection they really deserve?”
Trump’s announcement of Landry’s appointment once again sparked concern in Denmark and Europe.
The Danish Foreign Minister told Danish television stations that he would summon the American ambassador to his ministry.
“We have said it before. Now we say it again. National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart, said. Jens Frederik NielsenThis came in a joint statement on Monday. “They are basic principles. You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security.”
Trump has repeatedly called for US jurisdiction over Greenland during the presidential transition period and in the first months of his second term. In March, Vice President J.D. Vance visited the remote American military base In Greenland and Denmark was accused of underinvestment there.
The issue gradually fell out of the headlines, but in August, Danish officials summoned the chief American diplomat in Copenhagen Following a report that at least three people linked to Trump conducted covert influence operations in Greenland.
The Trump administration provided no warning before announcing Landry’s appointment, according to a Danish government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
The administration also did not provide any details about the appointment to Congress, according to a congressional aide who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Trump is renewing the Greenland debate at a time when he has no shortage of foreign policy crises to deal with, including maintaining a fragile truce in Gaza and negotiating an end to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s brutal war in Ukraine.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday questioned the wisdom of “picking fights with friends” at such a difficult moment around the world.
“Greenland’s sovereignty is not up for debate,” Sahin said. “Denmark is an important NATO ally and stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States.”