Donald Trump has sparked a fresh row with Denmark after appointing a special envoy to Greenland, the vast Arctic island he has said he would like to annex.
In response to a question from the BBC about the new role of Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, Trump said the US needed Greenland for national protection and that we have to have it. Landry, he said, would lead the charge as special envoy to Greenland, a semi-autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The move has angered Copenhagen, which said it would call the US ambassador for an explanation. Greenland's prime minister emphasized that the island must decide our own future and that its territorial integrity must be respected.
Gov Landry stated it was an honor to serve in this volunteer position aimed at making Greenland a part of the US. Trump's revival of interest in Greenland is linked to its strategic location and mineral wealth. He has previously suggested using force to secure control of the island, alarming Denmark, traditionally a close ally.
Trump's remarks highlight fears of Chinese and Russian presence in nearby waters. Greenland has enjoyed self-government since 1979, though Denmark oversees defense and foreign policy. Most Greenlanders seek independence from Denmark, with many opposing US annexation.
Denmark's Foreign Minister described Landry’s appointment as deeply upsetting and warned Washington to respect Danish sovereignty. Greenland's Prime Minister noted that any cooperation would require mutual respect, asserting, Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.
This appointing comes amid growing strategic competition in the Arctic, where melting ice has opened new shipping routes and revealed valuable resources. The geopolitical significance of Greenland places it at the heart of U.S. and NATO security planning. As Trump's ambitions unfold, the debate on the future of Greenland continues, reminding us that political aspirations are often intertwined with issues of national identity and sovereignty.
In response to a question from the BBC about the new role of Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, Trump said the US needed Greenland for national protection and that we have to have it. Landry, he said, would lead the charge as special envoy to Greenland, a semi-autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The move has angered Copenhagen, which said it would call the US ambassador for an explanation. Greenland's prime minister emphasized that the island must decide our own future and that its territorial integrity must be respected.
Gov Landry stated it was an honor to serve in this volunteer position aimed at making Greenland a part of the US. Trump's revival of interest in Greenland is linked to its strategic location and mineral wealth. He has previously suggested using force to secure control of the island, alarming Denmark, traditionally a close ally.
Trump's remarks highlight fears of Chinese and Russian presence in nearby waters. Greenland has enjoyed self-government since 1979, though Denmark oversees defense and foreign policy. Most Greenlanders seek independence from Denmark, with many opposing US annexation.
Denmark's Foreign Minister described Landry’s appointment as deeply upsetting and warned Washington to respect Danish sovereignty. Greenland's Prime Minister noted that any cooperation would require mutual respect, asserting, Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.
This appointing comes amid growing strategic competition in the Arctic, where melting ice has opened new shipping routes and revealed valuable resources. The geopolitical significance of Greenland places it at the heart of U.S. and NATO security planning. As Trump's ambitions unfold, the debate on the future of Greenland continues, reminding us that political aspirations are often intertwined with issues of national identity and sovereignty.
