US President Donald Trump’s newly appointed envoy to Greenland said on Tuesday that the Republican administration is looking to begin a conversation with residents of the semi-autonomous Danish territory about the best way forward for the strategically important island.
In his first extended comments since being appointed to the role this week, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said the Trump administration isn’t going to “go in there trying to conquer anybody” or try to “to take over anybody’s country”.
The governor’s comments seemed somewhat at odds with Trump, who has repeatedly said the US needs to take over the Arctic territory for the sake of US security and has not ruled out military force to take control of the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island.
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“Well, I think our discussions should be with the actual people in Greenland – the Greenlanders,” Landry said in an appearance on Fox News’ The Will Cain Show. “What are they looking for? What opportunities have they not gotten? Why haven’t they gotten the protection that they actually deserve?”
Trump’s announcement of Landry’s appointment has once again stirred anxiety in Denmark and Europe.
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Denmark’s foreign minister told Danish broadcasters that he would summon the US ambassador to his ministry.