Trump ties Greenland to U.S. security after Venezuelan raid The day after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump told reporters that Greenland is “so strategic” for American defense, citing a growing Russian and Chinese presence around the island [1][2][3]. He framed the claim within a broader Western‑Hemisphere strategy, invoking the Monroe Doctrine to justify a more assertive posture [2]. The remarks marked a renewed public push that began with his 2019 purchase offer and continued after his 2025 return to office [1].

Denmark and Greenland reject any American takeover outright Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen dismissed the idea as a “fantasy,” while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared the United States has no right to annex any part of the Danish Kingdom [1][2][3]. Both leaders emphasized respect for international law and the existing 1951 defense agreement that already grants the U.S. a military role without sovereignty transfer [1]. Their unified stance underscored the diplomatic strain such comments place on a long‑standing NATO alliance [2].

Jeff Landry named special envoy to advance U.S. interests Trump floated Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana as a “special envoy” to Greenland, and Landry publicly said he would help make the island part of the United States [1][2][3]. The appointment follows Trump’s earlier appointment of a high‑profile envoy and signals an intent to pursue diplomatic and possibly economic channels [1]. Critics in Denmark and Greenland view the move as further evidence of Washington’s aggressive Arctic ambitions [3].

Strategic location and resource wealth drive U.S. interest despite legal barriers Greenland sits on key Arctic missile‑defense flight paths and hosts the U.S.‑operated Pituffik Space Base, making it valuable for early‑warning systems [1][3]. Melting ice is unlocking deposits of rare earths, uranium and iron, which Washington cites as a security imperative to reduce reliance on China [1]. Historical attempts to purchase the island in 1867 and 1946 were rebuffed, and Greenland’s 2009 self‑rule arrangement limits Denmark’s ability to cede sovereignty unilaterally [1][3].

Greenlanders overwhelmingly oppose U.S. annexation Polling and on‑the‑ground reporting show most Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark but reject becoming part of the United States, describing the purchase idea as demeaning [1]. Prominent local figures, including former prime minister Aleqa Hammond, voiced strong opposition, reinforcing the political risk of any annexation attempt [1]. This popular stance complicates any legal or diplomatic pathway the U.S. might pursue [1].