Denmark’s overseas minister stated Monday he was “deeply upset” by US President Donald Trump’s appointment of a particular envoy to Greenland who declared that he wished to see the island develop into part of the United States.
“I am deeply upset by this appointment of a special envoy. And I am particularly upset by his statements, which we find completely unacceptable,” Lars Løkke Rasmussen advised Denmark’s nationwide broadcaster TV 2, in accordance to Reuters information company.
Rasmussen stated he would summon the US ambassador to Denmark in response to the Trump administration’s transfer, Reuters reported.
On Sunday, Trump introduced the appointment of Jeff Landry, the Governor of Louisiana, as particular envoy to Greenland. “Jeff 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,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
While thanking Trump for his appointment, Landry stated it was an “honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.” He additionally stated that “this in no way affects” his place as Louisiana governor.
Trump has repeatedly said that he wants to annex Greenland – an enormous, resource-rich island within the Atlantic and self-governing territory of Denmark – claiming that that is wanted for American safety functions.
Vice President JD Vance made a controversial go to to the island in March, repeatedly claiming that it was susceptible and that the US had “no other option” than to ramp up its presence there.
Both Greenland and Denmark, a NATO ally of the US, are staunchly opposed to the thought.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen struck a defiant tone on Monday, saying that Trump’s announcement “may sound big, but it does not change anything for us. We decide our own future,” in accordance to Reuters.
In August, the US envoy to Denmark was summoned by the Danish foreign ministry after the nation’s public broadcaster reported that a number of American males had tried to conduct “influence operations” in Greenland.
Rasmussen stated earlier that the brand new appointment “confirms the continued American interest in Greenland,” Reuters reported. “However, we insist that everyone – including the US – must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Meanwhile, European Union spokesperson Anouar El Anouni stated that “preserving the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, its sovereignty and the inviability of its borders is essential for the European Union,” Reuters stated.