Greenland probes invitation of Trump envoy to dog sled races

Organisers of Greenland’s traditional dog sled races have launched an investigation after it emerged that a special envoy of US President Donald Trump had been invited to the island.

On January 13, the Greenland Dog Racing Association (KNQK) said on Facebook that an American journalist had informed them of an invitation extended to Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who also serves as Trump’s special representative to Greenland, to attend the annual event.

In a statement, the association stressed that “it is unacceptable for political pressure to be applied from abroad” and described the participation of foreign political figures as “completely inappropriate.”

“The board is now working closely with patrons to determine who sent invitations to foreign dignitaries. Further information will be provided once the investigation is concluded,” KNQK added.

Last year, the wife of US Vice President J.D. Vance was scheduled to attend the dog sled races during a US tour of the island but cancelled her participation following protests.

Donald Trump, who has repeatedly described control of Greenland as strategically important for US and Arctic security, recently mocked Copenhagen’s efforts to strengthen the island’s defence. “Do you know what their defence is? Two dog sleds,” he said, in a comment widely reported in the media.

By Aghakazim Guliyev