US special envoy Jeff Landry has claimed that Denmark illegally regained control of Greenland after World War II, sparking a major diplomatic row.
This statement signals a shift in the Trump administration’s strategy to increase US influence over the island. While Washington argues that the current defense setup fails to stop Russian and Chinese naval activity, Copenhagen and local leaders view these claims as a direct threat to their sovereignty.
The Allegation of Illegal Occupation
Jeff Landry, Donald Trump’s special envoy, caused a stir on X by asserting that the US protected Greenland during WWII while Denmark could not. He stated that Denmark’s post-war return violated international protocols.
“History matters. The U.S. defended Greenland’s sovereignty during WWII when Denmark couldn’t. After the war, Denmark re-occupied it-side stepping and ignoring UN protocol. This should be about hospitality, not hostility,” Landry wrote on X.
He emphasized that the island faces growing pressure from US rivals, making American control a strategic necessity for Western defense.
Denmark’s Rebuttal and Strategic Realities
Danish Ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen quickly rejected the “occupation” claim. He noted that the UN and past US administrations have always recognized Greenland as part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
“Only the Greenlandic people should decide their future. The vast majority of Greenlanders voted for self-government status within the kingdom. This week, all five parties in parliament reiterated that they do not want to become part of the US,” the diplomat stated.
Earlier, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged the US to stop annexation threats. She insisted that international treaties and NATO already guarantee the region’s security. The European Union also stated that Greenland’s safety remains a NATO responsibility and called any unilateral US actions unacceptable.
Conclusion
The tension between Washington and Copenhagen shows a deep split over Arctic security and sovereignty. US officials want more control to counter global rivals, but Denmark and Greenland firmly defend their current status. Both sides now face the challenge of protecting their long-term alliance despite these disagreements. The meeting on January 14 will likely focus on lowering these tensions. This dispute will test the strength of NATO and the principle of self-determination in the Arctic.
