US President Donald Trump has moved forward with his ambitions to incorporate Greenland into the United States. On December 21, the White House announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy for Greenland. This decision has provoked strong opposition from Danish and Greenlandic officials and has sparked an international political controversy.
National security or territorial claim?
Trump emphasized that the world’s largest island is critical to America, not only for its mineral wealth but primarily for strategic security.
"If you look at Greenland’s shores, you will see Russian and Chinese ships sailing there. This island must guarantee our national security. We need to have it," Trump stated during a conversation with journalists.
Newly appointed envoy Jeff Landry said he would carry out this responsibility "voluntarily" without disrupting his gubernatorial duties, adding that he would use all his efforts to transition Greenland to US jurisdiction.
Denmark and Greenland’s firm "No"
In Copenhagen and the capital of Greenland, Nuuk, Trump’s actions have been perceived as an attack on sovereignty. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a joint statement.
- Sovereignty: "You cannot annex another independent country. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders!"
- International law: Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summoned the US ambassador, calling the move "unacceptable."
- European solidarity: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Denmark, reminding that territorial integrity is a fundamental principle of international law.
Economic pressure and the "Wind War"
The Trump administration is not stopping at statements. In an apparent effort to pressure Denmark, the US has halted construction of five major wind energy projects on the East Coast. Interestingly, two of these projects are owned by Denmark’s state-controlled Ørsted company. This step is being interpreted as an attempt to bring Copenhagen to the negotiation table.
Why is Greenland so important to the US?
- Missile defense: Greenland’s location is uniquely significant for early detection of ballistic missiles.
- Mineral resources: Greenland is rich in rare earth metals, potentially reducing US dependency on China’s economic dominance.
- Arctic control: With ice caps melting, new trade routes and resource deposits are emerging, creating fierce competition between the US, Russia, and China.
For now, Denmark has firmly declared that it has no intention of selling or ceding its territory. However, analysts believe the Trump administration will continue to increase pressure through "deal-maker" Jeff Landry.
Do you think the US could annex Greenland contrary to international law?
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