Denmark summons U.S. ambassador after Trump names Greenland envoy

Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summoned the U.S. ambassador on Monday in response to President Donald Trump's announcement over the weekend naming Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry the special envoy to Greenland.

Rasmussion said the appointment showed that the United States had not given up the idea of trying to buy Greenland from Denmark, USA Today reported.

"We insist that everyone, including the U.S., must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," Rasmussen said.

Greenland is a territory of Denmark, but controls its own government. Trump has discussed the possibility of annexing the island nation, saying the United States needs it for world security.

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"I think we're going to get it, one way or another," he said in a televised speech in March.

Then-Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede said Greenland is in control of its own future and it doesn't wish to be part of the United States or Denmark.

"We are not for sale and cannot simply be taken," he said. "Our future will be decided by us in Greenland."

Trump announced his appointment of Landry as special envoy in a post on Truth Social.

"Jeff 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. Congratulations Jeff!" Trump posted.

Landry thanked Trump in a post 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!" he wrote.

CNBC reported that during an appearance on Danish media outlet TV2, Rasmussen said, "I'm deeply upset about the appointment and the statement, which I find completely unacceptable."

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