Denmark is incensed at the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as new US special envoy to Greenland as President Donald Trump continues to heap pressure on the Nordic nation and looks to take over the autonomous territory from Copenhagen.

In appointing Landry on Sunday, Trump — who has threatened to take Greenland by force from ally Denmark if necessary — wrote that the southern governor, "understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country's Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World."

Landry took to the social media platform X to thank Trump for the appointment, writing, "It's an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US."

On Monday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the move left him "deeply angered" and said Washington must respect Denmark's sovereignty, with Copenhagen vowing to summon the US ambassador in protest.

"As long as we have a kingdom in Denmark that consists of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland," said Rasmussen, "we cannot accept that there are those who undermine our sovereignty."

Rasmussen told Denmark's TV 2 that he was "particularly upset by his [Landry's] statements," calling them "completely unacceptable," and adding to the Reuters news agency: "We insist that everyone — including the US — must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark."

The EU said it stands in "full solidarity" with Denmark and the people of Greenland as the US increased its efforts to take over the island. 
 
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa both voiced their solidarity with Copenhagen, one of the EU's members, by calling territorial integrity and sovereignty "fundamental principles of international law."
 
"These principles are essential not only for the European Union, but for nations around the world," both posted on their X accounts.

Greenland PM: Appointment 'doesn't change anything'

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said news of the appointment, "might sound like a big deal," but added that it "doesn't change anything for us here at home."

"We will determine our future ourselves," he said.

In a joint statement with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Nielsen added: “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and the US shall not take over Greenland.” 

Though most Greenlanders say they want to be independent of Denmark, they have also voiced very clear opposition to becoming the property of the US.

Why is Trump so insistent on taking over Greenland?

Trump, who floated the option of buying Greenland and established a new consulate there during his first term, has repeatedly threatened to get it no matter what since returning to office in January 2025.

He has sought to emphasize Greenland's location and mineral riches as key to US national security and has ignored the wishes of Greenlanders and Danish leaders in his pursuit.

The US has also dispatched high-level representatives such as Vice President JD Vance as well as Donald Trump Jr., to Greenland in an apparent effort to push the president's agenda.

This August, Denmark — a NATO ally — summoned US representatives over reports suggesting Washington was attempting to interfere in Greenland.

Greenland, located halfway between the US and the Arctic, is a former Danish colony that has held the right to declare its independence since 2009.

Edited by: Rana Taha