Denmark to Summon US Ambassador Over Appointment of Special Envoy to Greenland
Denmark will summon the US ambassador in Copenhagen for an explanation following President Donald Trump’s decision to appoint a special envoy to Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, Danish media reported on Monday.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Ambassador Kenneth A. Howery will be called in for talks after Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as Washington’s special envoy to Greenland. Speaking to the national broadcaster DR, Rasmussen described the move as unacceptable and said the decision was taken in consultation with Greenlandic authorities.
“It is completely unacceptable. That is why I have also decided, in consultation with our Greenlandic colleagues, that we will call in the US ambassador for talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Rasmussen said. He added that Denmark wants clarification on why the United States appointed a special envoy to Greenland despite already having an ambassador accredited to Denmark.
Trump has renewed his interest in Greenland since his reelection, citing the island’s strategic location in the Arctic and its vast mineral resources. He has previously described US ownership of Greenland as an “absolute necessity” for American economic security, likening it to a major real estate deal.
Both Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected the idea of US ownership. Greenland, a former Danish colony, gained home rule in 1979 and remains part of the Danish kingdom. A 2008 referendum saw 75.5% of Greenlanders approve the Self-Government Act, which came into force in 2009, granting the territory expanded autonomy while Denmark retained control over foreign policy, defense, and security.
