Trump naming special envoy to Greenland angers Denmark, prompting it to call in U.S. ambassador [View all]

Source: CBS News/AFP

Updated on: December 22, 2025 / 7:32 AM EST


Copenhagen, Denmark — Denmark said Monday it would summon the U.S. ambassador after President Trump appointed a special envoy to Greenland, the Danish autonomous territory he has often expressed interest in obtaining.

Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Mr. Trump has said the U.S. needs the resource-rich island for security reasons and has refused to rule out the use of force to secure it. On Sunday, Mr. Trump appointed Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Monday he was "deeply angered" by the move and warned Washington to respect Denmark's sovereignty. In a post on social media platform Sunday night, Mr. Trump said Landry "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 responded directly to Mr. Trump on social media, saying, "It's an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S."

The Danish foreign minister told television TV2 the Landry appointment and statements by Mr. Trump and Landry were "totally unacceptable" and said his ministry would call in the U.S. ambassador in coming days "to get an explanation." "As long as we have a kingdom in Denmark that consists of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, we cannot accept that there are those who undermine our sovereignty," he said.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/greenland-trump-special-envoy-jeff-landry-denmark-us-ambassador/