Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Monday he was “deeply upset” by the appointment and the remarks from the envoy, calling them “completely unacceptable.” The Foreign Ministry confirmed plans to summon the U.S. ambassador to Copenhagen to lodge formal concerns and demand an explanation, underscoring the importance of respecting Danish sovereignty, reports the Egypt Independent publication.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform to defend the move, posting that 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.” He has long argued that the island’s strategic location, between Europe and North America and near key Arctic routes, makes it vital to U.S. defence.

The American president also sharply criticised Denmark, claiming Copenhagen “has spent no money” on Greenland’s security and suggesting that Washington may need to take a stronger role there, claims Danish officials reject, reveals WRAL News.

In a joint statement, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen reiterated that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders,” and insisted territorial integrity must be respected under international law. They stressed that Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, will decide its own future.

Greenland’s leaders and Copenhagen have consistently opposed notions of annexation, emphasising cooperation with the U.S. only on mutually agreed terms and rejecting any implication that the island could become part of the United States, reports The Business Standard publication.