After his return to office in January, the Republican leader said that he "needed" Greenland, for US security, repeatedly expressing his wish to seize it.

Greenland, backed by Copenhagen, rebutted that it was not for sale and would decide its own future.

"I am pleased to announce that I am appointing the GREAT Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, as the United States Special Envoy to Greenland," Trump said on social media.

"Jeff 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. Congratulations Jeff!"

Landry thanked the US president on X after the announcement, saying it is an "honor to serve you as a volunteer to make Greenland a part of the United States," before specifying that the role "in no way affects" his duties as governor of Louisiana.

Economically, Greenland depends on subsidies from Copenhagen equivalent to a fifth of its GDP, and on its fishing sector.

Copenhagen is in charge of Greenland's judicial affairs, monetary policy, foreign affairs, defence and security policy.

In January, 85 percent of Greenland residents said they opposed becoming part of the United States, according to a poll published in the Greenlandic daily Sermitsiaq. Six percent were in favor.

At the end of March, US Vice President JD Vance made an uninvited visit to Greenland that was widely seen as a provocation both on the island and in Copenhagen.

He was initially due to tour several towns but following angry reactions across Europe, he shortened his itinerary to a one-day visit to the US Pituffik military base.

The Arctic has gained geostrategic importance as the race for rare earths heats up and as melting ice caused by global warming opens up new shipping routes.

bur-ane/rsc

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