Donald Trump has caused a new dispute with Denmark by appointing a special envoy to Greenland, the large Arctic island that he has repeatedly said he wants to become part of the United States.
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In response to a question from the BBC about Jeff Landry's new role as the special envoy, Trump said the US needs Greenland for "national security" and that "we have to have it."
Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, is expected to travel to Greenland, which is a self-governing territory under the Kingdom of Denmark.
This move has upset Copenhagen, which has announced it will call the US ambassador for an "explanation."
Greenland's prime minister has stated that the island must "determine its own future" and that "its borders must be respected."
Landry shared on X that it was an honor to serve in a role that aims to "make Greenland part of the United States."
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has renewed his long-held position that Greenland should be part of the United States, emphasizing the territory's strategic importance and its rich mineral resources.
He has also refused to rule out the use of force to gain control of the island, a position that has worried Denmark, a NATO ally with typically strong ties to the US.
Trump stated, "We need Greenland for national security, not minerals."
Greenland, home to about 57,000 people, has been self-governing since 1979, although defense and foreign policy remain under Danish control.
While most Greenlanders support independence from Denmark, recent polls show that a majority are against becoming part of the United States.