The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a sharp rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday after he appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland.

In a joint statement, Danish leader Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen stressed that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders” and demanded respect for sovereignty and international borders.

The leaders declared: “You cannot annex other countries… Fundamental principles are at stake.” They emphasized Greenland’s right to self-determination and rejected any suggestion of a U.S. takeover.

Trump announced Landry’s appointment on social media Sunday, writing: “Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security.” He later highlighted security concerns over Russian and Chinese vessels in Arctic waters, while Landry thanked Trump for the “honour to… make Greenland a part of the US.”

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summoned U.S. Ambassador Ken Howery for explanations, calling Landry’s remarks “completely unacceptable.” The European Union’s leaders, Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, expressed full solidarity with Denmark, affirming the principle of territorial integrity. Nordic neighbours Sweden and Norway also voiced unequivocal support.

Greenland, a vast mineral-rich island strategically vital for Arctic shipping routes and missile paths, has enjoyed autonomy since 2009 with the right to pursue independence. Polls show most of its 57,000 inhabitants favour eventual independence from Denmark but strongly oppose U.S. control.

Trump has repeatedly described Greenland as essential to U.S. security and has refused to rule out the use of force. Recent visits by Donald Trump Jr. and Senator JD Vance, along with alleged influence campaigns, have heightened tensions. Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz cautiously welcomed dialogue with the envoy but firmly rejected any mandate suggesting U.S. takeover.