On December 22, 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the United States' Special Envoy to Greenland. This appointment has led to diplomatic tensions, prompting Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen to summon the U.S. ambassador to express discontent. Rasmussen stated that Landry's role indicates ongoing U.S. interest in Greenland, a territory rich in natural resources and strategically located. Denmark has consistently maintained that Greenland is not for sale, emphasizing the need for respect regarding the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Greenland, which is governed by Denmark but has its own local government, has a population of approximately 57,000. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen asserted that the future of Greenland will be determined by its own people, rejecting any notion of U.S. control. In a social media post, Trump remarked that Landry understands the importance of Greenland to U.S. national security and will work to advance the country's interests.

Relations between Copenhagen and Washington have become strained, particularly following Denmark's intelligence assessment that the U.S. could pose a potential threat to its national security due to the Trump administration's willingness to use economic and military pressure to achieve its objectives. Landry, who has served as Louisiana's governor since January 2024, expressed his honor in taking on this new role while assuring that it would not interfere with his gubernatorial duties.

In addition to Landry's appointment, Trump has also named Thomas Dans as head of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, noted for his expertise in Russia and involvement in political strategy for the Trump administration. The U.S. government has justified its interest in Greenland by citing the region's mineral wealth and strategic importance, with the U.S. Geological Survey estimating that the Arctic contains substantial undiscovered oil and gas reserves. The melting Arctic ice has opened new trade routes, further increasing the geopolitical stakes.

Leaders from Denmark and Greenland have reiterated their rejection of U.S. intentions to assert control over Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a joint statement affirming that national borders and state sovereignty are governed by international law, emphasizing that Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and should not be subject to U.S. takeover.

Polling data earlier this year revealed that 85% of Greenlanders opposed joining the U.S., and significant protests occurred in Nuuk prior to a visit from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. The U.S. interest in Greenland raises questions about the balance between national security interests and the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark, highlighting the complexities of international relations in the Arctic region.