Trending Now - Greenland Minister Rejects US Doctor's Visit, Calls for Respect
WHO:
Alternet - President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy to Greenland, Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry.
The Guardian - Greenland’s health minister, Anna Wangenheim; Greenlandic prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen; Greenland’s foreign minister, Múte B Egede; US Ambassador to Denmark, Ken Howery; US doctor Joseph Griffin.
WHAT:
Alternet - Jeff Landry stated he arrived in Nuuk “simply to build relationships” and to explore opportunities for expansion.
The Guardian - Greenland’s government criticized the presence of US doctor Joseph Griffin, stating that Greenlanders are not “experimental subjects.”
The Guardian - Anna Wangenheim described Griffin's presence as “deeply problematic” and emphasized the need for respectful cooperation in healthcare.
The Guardian - Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated that the Greenlandic government made it clear their land was not for sale.
The Guardian - Múte B Egede asserted, “We are not going to sell Greenland. We are going to own Greenland forever.”
Alternet - Trump suggested the U.S. should take over Greenland, and negotiations have been ongoing regarding Greenland’s future.
WHERE:
Alternet - Nuuk, Greenland.
The Guardian - Nuuk, Greenland; Kingdom of Denmark.
WHEN:
Alternet - The Future Greenland 2026 conference is scheduled for a future date.
The Guardian - Landry and Howery are scheduled to attend the Future Greenland conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Howery is to inaugurate the new US consulate in Nuuk on Thursday.
WHY:
Alternet - Greenland and Denmark have stated that the U.S. cannot acquire Greenland, with the majority of Greenlanders opposing U.S. acquisition.
The Guardian - Greenland’s health sector has been historically subjected to geopolitical interest, leading to sensitivities regarding external involvement.
HOW:
Alternet - Denmark formed an alliance with France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden to prevent U.S. aircraft from landing in Greenland.
The Guardian - Joseph Griffin joined the delegation as a volunteer to “assess the medical needs” of Greenland.
(UPDATED May 19, 2026 06:22 UTC)
President Trump’s Special Envoy to Greenland, Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry, recently arrived in Nuuk to build relationships and explore expansion opportunities, but his visit has sparked controversy. Greenland’s government criticized the presence of U.S. doctor Joseph Griffin, with Health Minister Anna Wangenheim calling it “deeply problematic” and emphasizing the need for respectful cooperation in healthcare, while Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Foreign Minister Múte B Egede firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale and will remain owned by Greenlanders forever. Looking ahead, Landry and U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Ken Howery are scheduled to attend the Future Greenland 2026 conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Howery set to inaugurate the new U.S. consulate in Nuuk on Thursday.