US President Donald Trump has triggered fresh tensions with Denmark after appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, with Landry saying he will serve to help make the Arctic island part of the United States.

Trump announced the appointment on Sunday, reviving his long-standing interest in Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. In a post on X, Landry said it was an honour to serve in a voluntary role to make Greenland part of the US.

The move drew sharp reactions from Denmark and Greenland. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Copenhagen would summon the US ambassador for an explanation, warning that Denmark cannot accept actions that undermine its territorial integrity.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the island decides its own future and stressed that Greenland belongs to its people. He added that while Greenland is open to cooperation with the US and others, this must be based on mutual respect.

Trump has repeatedly pointed to Greenland’s strategic location and mineral wealth and has not ruled out using force to gain control, a position that has alarmed Denmark, a Nato ally. Greenland has extensive self-rule, though defence and foreign policy remain under Danish authority. Opinion polls show strong opposition among Greenlanders to joining the US.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.

Trump said Landry understands how important Greenland is to US national security and will advance American interests. Envoys are informal appointments and do not require approval from the host country.

Landry, a former congressman, attorney general and military veteran, has previously expressed support for Greenland joining the US. He said his envoy role would not affect his duties as Louisiana governor.

The dispute comes amid growing strategic competition in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to valuable resources. The US has maintained a military presence in Greenland since World War Two and reopened its consulate in the capital Nuuk in 2020.

With inputs from BBC