On Monday, December 22, 2025, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced he would summon U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Howery to discuss President Donald Trump’s surprise appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the new U.S. special envoy to Greenland. 🧊
The move, unveiled on Sunday, has rippled through Copenhagen’s political circles, fueling concerns over respect for the Kingdom of Denmark’s territorial integrity.
In a joint statement, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized: “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the USA should not take over Greenland. We expect respect for our common territorial integrity.”
Rasmussen echoed that stance with DR, Denmark’s national broadcaster, saying that while U.S. interest in the Arctic is welcome, “everyone, including the U.S., must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Trump’s fascination with Greenland isn’t new. Since taking office, he’s hinted at using “military or economic coercion” to fold the Arctic land into the United States—a proposal that locals have largely rejected. A January poll in Sermitsiaq found 85% of Greenland residents opposed joining the U.S., with just 6% in favor.
Greenland, a former Danish colony turned integral part of the Kingdom in 1953, gained home rule in 1979. Today, Copenhagen handles foreign affairs, defense and monetary policy, while Greenland’s economy leans heavily on fishing and subsidies equal to 20% of its GDP.
As both sides prepare for talks, all eyes are on how this diplomatic tête-à-tête will shape the future of Arctic cooperation—and whether it can cool down the heat surrounding Greenland’s status. ❄️🤝
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Denmark to summon U.S. ambassador over Trump's new Greenland envoy
cgtn.com
