Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen on Monday condemned President Donald Trump’s appointment of a special envoy to Greenland. This is the latest step in the U.S. president’s long-standing effort to acquire Denmark’s autonomous island territory.
“Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and their territorial integrity must be respected,” Nielsen said in a statement. “We are willing to cooperate with other countries, including the United States, but this must always be done with respect for us and our values and aspirations.”
President Trump on Sunday nominated Louisiana’s Republican governor, Jeff Landry, to the new post. He said Landry “understands how essential Greenland is to our national security and will strongly advance our interests in the safety, security and survival of our allies and indeed the world.”
In a post on his X account, Landry thanked Trump for the appointment and said, “It is an honor to serve in this volunteer capacity to help make Greenland part of the United States.”
In a follow-up post Monday, Landry reiterated that he has no intention of leaving office as Louisiana governor and elaborated on his role.
“All we’re trying to do is have great conversations with the people of Greenland,” Landry said.
President Trump has long sought to acquire Greenland from Denmark, first floating the idea during his first term, citing the island’s strategic location and rich mineral wealth. When he was re-elected in 2024, he tried to reach out to the island again, but was reprimanded by both Greenland and Denmark, and in March sent Vice President J.D. Vance to the island.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Monday that he was “deeply outraged” by Landry’s appointment and said he would summon the U.S. ambassador to Denmark over the matter.
