According to TV2 and local and international media outlets, US President Donald Trump's decision to appoint a special envoy to Greenland has sparked a wide range of political and diplomatic reactions in Denmark, Greenland, and Europe, amid warnings of serious repercussions for trust between allies and respect for national sovereignty.
The appointment of a special envoy sparks controversy.
US President Donald Trump announced late Monday night, Danish time, the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Landry wrote on the X platform that it was an “honor” for him, stating that his mission is to “make Greenland part of the United States,” according to TV2. Read more after the announcement.
A geopolitical analysis links the decision to US strategy.
TV2's US correspondent, Lotte Mejlhede, linked the appointment of the new envoy to the new US security strategy, released a few weeks earlier, which focused on Washington's desire to strengthen its control over the Western Hemisphere, including Greenland. She explained that the US seeks to secure broader military and commercial access to the region. She added that while the appointment aligns in principle with this strategy, it undermines diplomatic trust because it was made without prior notification and without clear assurances regarding respect for sovereignty.
Norway announces its full support for Denmark
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide announced his country's full support for Denmark in this matter. He told the Norwegian news agency NTB that respect for national sovereignty and the inviolability of borders are fundamental principles of international law, and all states must adhere to them.
International media highlights the Danish response
Prominent international media outlets covered the appointment of the US envoy and the Danish reaction to it. American newspapers and channels such as The Washington Post, CNN, and Fox News highlighted statements by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and his summoning of US Ambassador Ken Howery. British media outlets, including the BBC, The Guardian, and Sky News, also focused on the official Danish position and the anticipated meeting with the US ambassador.
Warning against exploiting vulnerability within Greenlandic society
Danish MP Aaja Chemnitz Larsen, from the Inuit party, described Trump's move as "disrespectful." Speaking to TV2, she said that American interest in Greenland would not cease, emphasizing that it was "a marathon, not a sprint," and called for solidarity with Denmark. She noted that rising food and electricity prices in Greenland had created discontent, warning that social fragility makes it easy for external actors to "drive a wedge" within the community.
Frederiksen refuses an interview and reaffirms her stance.
TV2 attempted to interview Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, but the Prime Minister's Office declined the request and referred to a joint statement. Frederiksen later posted a comment on Instagram emphasizing that the United States would not take Greenland, and reaffirming Denmark's commitment to its democratic values and territorial integrity.
Sweden announces its “full” support for Denmark and Greenland
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed her country's unequivocal support for Denmark and Greenland. She told the Swedish news agency TT that the two countries are responsible for deciding on matters concerning themselves, and, according to the newspaper Aftonbladet, affirmed that Sweden will always stand by international law.
A firm message from Frederiksen on sovereignty
Mette Frederiksen wrote on Instagram that the situation is difficult because a historic ally is putting Denmark in a difficult position, but she stressed that her country will not give up its democratic values and expects respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The European Union emphasizes the importance of territorial integrity.
Reuters quoted European Union spokesman Anouar El Anouni as confirming that preserving Denmark’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and the inviolability of its borders is a fundamental issue for the European Union.
Joint statement rejecting any infringement on Greenland
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a joint statement affirming that borders and state sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law and that no other country can be annexed, even under the pretext of international security. They emphasized that Greenland belongs to its people and that the United States should not seize it.
A political analysis warns of eroding trust.
TV2 correspondent Lotte Meilhede considered Trump's move to be extremely provocative, especially since it came without prior warning, which casts doubt on the relationship between the Kingdom of Denmark and the American administration, and raises questions again about the extent to which Washington respects the Greenlanders' right to self-determination.
Greenland government downplays impact of decision
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Facebook that appointing a special envoy might seem like a big deal, but it doesn't change anything on the ground. He emphasized that Greenlanders alone will decide their future, and that cooperation with the United States is possible, provided local values and wishes are respected.
Questions about centers of power in Washington
Lotte Meilhede observed that the difference between last year and today lies in Denmark and Greenland's greater readiness to respond quickly. She cautioned, however, that the appointment of a special envoy raises questions about his relationship with the US ambassador and who wields more influence with Trump.
Harsh criticism from analysts and journalists
TV2 correspondent Jesper Steinmetz said that Trump had “cut the plug” for his ambassador to Denmark, arguing that the new envoy would accomplish what traditional diplomacy could not. He described the move as a major provocation to the Greenlandic people, confirming that Trump views Greenland as a commodity.
Political calls to toughen the stance towards Washington
Pia Olsen Dyhr, leader of the Socialist People's Party, called for making Trump's plans "very difficult," noting that the United States already has broad opportunities for cooperation in Greenland, but is seeking more than that.
Luce Rasmussen summons the US ambassador
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, speaking from the Faroe Islands, announced that he was outraged by the appointment and the accompanying statements, describing them as completely unacceptable. He confirmed his intention to summon US Ambassador Ken Houry to clarify the situation, noting that he had received broad support from his European counterparts.
A political analysis warns of a prolonged period of tension.
TV2 political editor Hans Redder wrote that the relative calm in Trump's statements over the past few months had given some hope that he might abandon the idea of controlling Greenland, but the Danish government had always believed it was only a matter of time. He concluded that the new US policy would pose a significant challenge to the kingdom in the coming years.
The Danish left calls for reducing dependence on the United States.
Unity List leader Pelle Dragsted told TV2 that there are two paths to dealing with the crisis: the first is a firm and clear response, and the second is to accelerate steps to reduce dependence on the United States, including reconsidering the American military presence on Danish soil.
Background on the US envoy
Jeff Landry is 54 years old, born on December 23, 1970, in St. Martinville, Louisiana. He studied environmental science at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and then law at Loyola University New Orleans. He served as Louisiana's attorney general from 2016 to 2024 and has been the state's governor since 2024, according to information compiled by Ritsau News Agency based on his official website and the U.S. Congressional Directory.
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