Trump Envoy Aims to Make Greenland Part of U.S., Angers Denmark

The United States' newly appointed envoy to Greenland has said he hopes to help "make Greenland part of the U.S." The statement has provoked a strong reaction from Denmark. Greenland is an autonomous territory but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark handles its foreign and defense policy. The Danish Foreign Minister stated the government is "deeply angered" by the envoy's comment. The envoy was named by U.S. President Donald Trump. The incident revives a diplomatic controversy from 2019. At that time, President Trump confirmed he had discussed the idea of purchasing Greenland. Denmark called the concept "absurd." The U.S. maintains a strategic air base in Greenland. The island's location in the Arctic is increasingly important for global security and shipping.