• Denmark summons US ambassador after Trump's envoy appointment for Greenland.
• Foreign Minister insists on respect for Denmark's territorial integrity.
• Trump emphasizes Greenland's importance for US national security.
• A vast majority of Greenland's population seeks independence from Denmark.
• Strategic location of Greenland fuels international interests amid rising Arctic tensions.

Denmark has summoned the US ambassador to express its objection to President Donald Trump's recent appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the US special envoy to Greenland. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen emphasized the need for the United States to respect "the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark" following Trump's announcement, which has prompted significant diplomatic tension between the two nations. "I am deeply angered by the appointment and the statement, which I find totally unacceptable," said Rasmussen, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and The Local.

Trump has made it clear since returning to the White House that he views Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, as vital for US national security, stating that it could be part of America. He reiterated this viewpoint when he announced Landry's appointment, arguing that the new envoy "understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security." This declaration has raised concerns in Denmark and Greenland, where many citizens oppose any notion of becoming part of the United States, according to a January opinion poll highlighting that the majority of Greenland’s population desires independence from Denmark, as reported by Le Monde and South China Morning Post.

The strategic significance of Greenland is underscored by its geographic position between North America and Europe, particularly amid increasing tensions in the Arctic due to climate change and geopolitical dynamics involving the US, China, and Russia. Danish officials have expressed growing concern over what they perceive as attempts by the Trump administration to assert influence in the region, especially following previous reports of covert operations involving US officials in Greenland as stated by Rasmussen and others, according to The Local and South China Morning Post.

As tensions continue to escalate, Denmark has made it clear that it views any assertion of sovereignty over Greenland by the US as unacceptable. The ongoing dialogue reflects the delicate balance of power in the Arctic and the implications for international relations," remarked Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, capturing the essence of the current conflict, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and The Local.