Denmark has announced plans to summon the United States Ambassador in Copenhagen after US President Donald Trump appointed a special envoy to Greenland, a move that has triggered strong diplomatic backlash and renewed concerns over American intentions toward the Arctic territory.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said on Monday that he would call in US Ambassador to Denmark Kenneth Howery for talks, following remarks by the newly appointed envoy that suggested Greenland could become part of the United States.

On Sunday, President Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the US special envoy to Greenland. While Washington framed the appointment as part of its strategic engagement in the Arctic, statements made by Landry shortly after his appointment intensified tensions between the two allies.

“I am upset, particularly by the envoy’s statements about making Greenland part of the United States. We find that completely unacceptable,” Rasmussen told Danish broadcaster TV 2. He stressed that any discussion questioning Greenland’s sovereignty crossed a red line for Denmark.

In a separate written statement to broadcaster DR, Rasmussen acknowledged that the appointment highlighted continued American interest in Greenland but underscored that “everyone, including the US, must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark,” according to Xinhua News Agency.

The controversy escalated after Landry posted on social media platform X, thanking President Trump for the appointment and stating it was an honour to serve “to make Greenland a part of the US.” The remark sparked swift reactions in Copenhagen and Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a joint statement on Monday, reiterating their firm opposition to any attempt to challenge Greenland’s status.

“We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again. You cannot annex other countries. Not even with an argument about international security,” the statement said. “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the USA should not take over Greenland. We expect respect for our common territorial integrity.”

Greenland holds significant geopolitical importance due to its strategic location in the Arctic and its vast reserves of rare earth minerals, which are critical for advanced technologies and defence industries. The region has increasingly drawn attention amid growing competition among global powers, including the US, China, and Russia.

Since returning to office in January, President Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in Greenland, reviving controversial remarks from his previous term when he openly suggested acquiring the island. Trump has stated he would not rule out the use of “military or economic coercion” to secure US control, comments that have alarmed European leaders.

Greenland, a former Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, significantly expanding its autonomy. While Greenland manages most domestic affairs, Denmark continues to oversee foreign policy and defence.

The latest diplomatic flare-up underscores growing sensitivities around Arctic governance and sovereignty as climate change opens new shipping routes and resource opportunities. Denmark has consistently maintained that Greenland’s future can only be decided by its people, rejecting any external pressure or unilateral actions.

As Denmark prepares to engage the US ambassador, analysts say the episode could test transatlantic relations at a time when unity among Western allies is already under strain due to global security challenges.