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The United States appoints a special envoy for Greenland

Marcel Schütz 22. December 2025 | Arctic, Economy, Opinion & Analysis, Politics

Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, has responded firmly to a new move by Donald Trump that has intensified diplomatic tensions surrounding Greenland.

The trigger is the United States’ decision to appoint a special envoy for Greenland. In Copenhagen, this step is viewed as politically sensitive, as the appointed envoy has publicly expressed sympathy for stronger U.S. control over Greenland.

Rasmussen emphasized that while the United States’ continued interest in Greenland is well known, Denmark insists on respect for its territorial integrity and sovereignty. He also stressed that only the people of Greenland can decide their own future.

“We have stated this very clearly before. We are stating it again now. National borders and state sovereignty are firmly rooted in international law. These are fundamental principles. One cannot annex other countries.”

METTE FREDERIKSEN, PRIME MINISTER OF DENMARK

The foreign minister described the development as “serious” and made it clear that Denmark firmly rejects any form of political pressure or interference. The incident is part of a series of diplomatic tensions sparked by Trump’s earlier statements about a possible acquisition of Greenland.

Marcel Schütz, PolarJournal

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