Trump says U.S. needs Greenland for security, drawing backlash from Europe

U.S. President Donald Trump reasserted on Monday that the United States needs Greenland for its national security and said a special envoy he appointed to the Arctic island would "lead the charge."

Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry on Sunday as his special envoy to Greenland, drawing renewed criticism from Denmark and Greenland over Washington's interest in the mineral-rich Arctic island.

Trump has advocated for Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, to become part of the United States, citing its strategic importance and mineral resources. Landry, who took office as governor in January 2024, publicly supports the idea.

"We need it for national security. We have to have it," Trump told reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, adding that Landry wanted to "lead the charge."

Danish Prime Minister: 'You cannot annex another country'

After Trump made the appointment on Sunday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reaffirmed in a joint statement that Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.

"You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security," they said. "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and the U.S. shall not take over Greenland."

Frederiksen also said in an Instagram post that Trump puts Denmark into a "difficult situation."

Nielsen said on Facebook that Trump's announcement "does not change anything for us. We decide our own future."

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Monday he would summon U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Howery, who had pledged "mutual respect" during a recent visit to Greenland.

"Out of nowhere, there is now a special U.S. presidential representative, who, according to himself, is tasked with taking over Greenland. This is, of course, completely unacceptable," Rasmussen told TV2.

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that Arctic security remains a top priority for the EU, emphasizing EU's commitment to allies. She noted that territorial integrity and national sovereignty are principles of international laws, stressing that the EU will firmly stand with Denmark and Greenlanders.

On the same day, the Trump administration also suspended leases for five large offshore wind projects being built off the East Coast of the U.S., including two being developed by Denmark's state-controlled Orsted, putting further pressure on Copenhagen.

Greenland, the world's largest island with a population of about 57,000, has the right to declare independence under a 2009 agreement but remains heavily reliant on Denmark culturally and economically.

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 foreign exports.

(With input from Reuters)