Greenland Back in the White House’s spotlight

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States must become the owner of Greenland. In his view, this is necessary for American national security, which he says is threatened by „Chinese and Russian ships.”

The Republican governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, has just been appointed by Donald Trump as the U.S. Special Envoy for Greenland. Although this is an unofficial position that does not require formal approval from other states, the nomination clearly signals the direction taken by the current White House administration.

Trump’s latest decision confirms the implementation of the new U.S. National Security Strategy, which is largely expected to focus on safeguarding American interests in the Western Hemisphere (hence the recent actions related to Venezuela or earlier announcements concerning the Panama Canal – ed.).

Criticism from various sides

Danish authorities responded immediately. Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, announced that he would summon the U.S. ambassador and described the appointment of the new envoy as „deeply concerning.” In an interview with the Danish television station TV2, he said that as long as there is a kingdom consisting of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, Denmark cannot accept actions that undermine its territorial integrity.

The Prime Minister of Greenland also commented on the situation, stating that the appointment of the new envoy „changes nothing.” Other European leaders also issued statements. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote stating that the Arctic security remains a key priority for the European Union and an area in which we seek cooperation with allies and partners. She also added a suggestion that territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law, elaborating that these principles are essential not only for the European Union, but for nations around the world. She assured the EU expresses full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.

The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, also addressed the issue, recalling his visit this year to Greenland’s capital. He said that in Nuuk, he reaffirmed France’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland. Greenland belongs to its people, he added, concluding that Denmark guarantees all of this.

Greenland's status and words by J.D. Vance

Greenland is an autonomous territory dependent on Denmark, with Denmark’s central authorities retaining responsibility for security and defense matters. The island’s security is integrated into European defense structures due to Denmark’s membership in NATO. In June, we reported that the Pentagon had decided that U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) would be responsible for oversight of Greenland’s territory (previously, the area fell under U.S. European Command, EUCOM). 

Several months earlier, during a March visit to the U.S. Pituffik base (formerly Thule), U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance accused Danish authorities of neglecting efforts to strengthen Greenland’s security and criticized them for failing to keep pace with Russia and China in the context of their growing military presence in the Arctic.

The U.S. vice president’s remarks in Greenland were met with widespread criticism. He was accused of being unfamiliar with the 1951 U.S.–Danish document Defense of Greenland: Agreement Between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark, which explicitly states that the United States has the right to invest in enhancing the island’s security if it deems this appropriate. 

Rasmus Jarlov, Chairman of the Danish Defence Committee reiterated that the United States do not need Greenland for the purpose of ensuring national security, since a defence deal with Denmark has already been put into place, allowing for any level of US military presence in Greenland.