On December 21 local time, U.S. President Trump announced that he had appointed Jeff Landry, the governor of Louisiana, as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland. Subsequently, Jeff Landry posted on social media platform X, "I am honored to serve you as a special envoy and make Greenland part of the United States."

This statement immediately ignited international public opinion, with Denmark angrily summoning the U.S. ambassador, the EU collectively supporting Denmark, and the Arctic strategic rivalry adding more tension.

Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen stated that he would summon the U.S. ambassador to Denmark and called on the U.S. to respect Denmark's territorial integrity: "I am deeply concerned about this appointment and related statements, and I believe it is completely unacceptable."

EU Commission President von der Leyen also posted on social media platform X, emphasizing, "Territorial and sovereign integrity are fundamental principles of international law, and we stand with the people of Denmark and Greenland."

On December 21, 2025, Trump announced via social media that he had appointed Republican Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the "U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland," emphasizing his "understanding of the island's importance to U.S. national security."

Trump's remarks unreservedly revealed his naked ambitions for resources and geopolitics.

Military and Security Drives

Trump argued on the 22nd that "Greenland is needed for national security, not critical minerals," but Greenland, as a core hub of North American air defense (home to the Thule Space Base) and a strategic chokepoint of the Arctic shipping route, is actually a "strategic stepping stone" to contain China and Russia. The U.S. has previously secretly planned the "Compact of Free Association," attempting to gain control through military protection.

Essence of Resource Exploitation

Greenland holds 12% of the world's rare earth reserves (about 15 million tons), 10% of untapped oil, and abundant fresh water. With the melting of the ice cap, the value of mineral extraction and shipping routes has soared. In January 2025, Trump released a "new map," marking Greenland, Canada, and the U.S. in yellow, exposing a systematic expansion plan.

Denmark, as a founding member of NATO, publicly condemned the U.S. in an unusual manner. Sweden and Finland urgently initiated Arctic defense consultations to guard against potential U.S. military threats. Russian President Putin had previously warned, "Trump's annexation plans are not just empty talk, but a continuation of historical strategy."

NATO is thus facing division.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852269917986816/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.