Donald Trump has appointed a special envoy to Greenland, prompting Denmark to summon Washington’s ambassador.
Jeff Landry, the US president’s pick for the new role, has vowed to make the region “part of the US”.
Mr Trump revealed in a Truth Social post on Sunday evening that Mr Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, had been appointed in a move that “deeply angered” the foreign minister of Greenland, the semi-autonomous territory Mr Trump has repeatedly threatened to annex.
He said that Mr Landry “understands how essential Greenland is to our national security, and will strongly advance our country’s interests for the safety, security, and survival of our allies, and indeed, the world”.
Addressing the appointment of Mr Landry on Monday, Mr Trump said: “We need Greenland for national protection.”
“They have no military protection. They say that Denmark was there 300 years ago, or something, with a boat. Well, we were there with boats too, I’m sure. So we’ll have to work it all out.”
Thanking the president, the new envoy said “it’s an honour to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US”.
Mr Trump’s long-held desire to acquire Greenland has caused anxiety in Denmark, and raised concerns in Nato that the US could use force against one its allies.
Copenhagen said it was not informed about the appointment and has been kept in the dark about Washington’s plans.
Ministers in Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly insisted that the island is not for sale but have also said they are willing to engage with the US over security and business opportunities such as mining.
They also offered to extend the Pituffik space base in Greenland’s far north. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the kingdom of Denmark.