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U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons, citing Russian and Chinese naval activity near the Arctic island.
"We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals," Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, adding, "If you take a look at Greenland, you look up and down the coast, you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need it for national security. We have to have it."
Trump's remarks came after he named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as Washington's special envoy to Greenland on Sunday, drawing renewed criticism from Denmark and Greenland.
"Greenland's a big deal," Trump added, pointing to what he described as a lack of military protection by Denmark, which governs the semi-autonomous territory.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen rejected Trump's push in a joint statement.
"You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security," they said, adding, "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and the U.S. shall not take over Greenland."
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Monday that Denmark will summon U.S. Ambassador Kenneth A. Howery for an explanation following Landry's appointment.
Greenland's Nielsen commented on Facebook: "We have woken up again to a new announcement from the U.S. president. This may sound big, but it does not change anything for us. We decide our own future."
Landry, who took office as Louisiana governor in January 2024, thanked Trump on X.
"It's an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S. This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!" Landry wrote.
Trump called Landry "a great guy. He's a deal guy" and said the governor wanted to "lead the charge."
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Greenland, a former Danish colony with a population of about 57,000, achieved home rule in 1979 and remains a territory of Denmark.
In 2008, Greenland held a referendum where 75.5% of voters approved the Self-Government Act, which came into effect on June 21, 2009, granting Greenland greater autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark while retaining Danish control over foreign policy, defense and security.
Greenland has the right to declare independence under the 2009 agreement but remains heavily reliant on fishing and Danish subsidies.
Its strategic position between Europe and North America makes it a key site for the U.S. ballistic missile defense system, while its mineral wealth has heightened U.S. interest in reducing reliance on Chinese exports.
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