Greenland's dog sled federation announced that U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Arctic island no longer has an invitation to its annual race. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Greenland over threats from Washington to take control of the territory.
Jeff Landry, the Governor of Louisiana and Trump's newly appointed envoy, received an initial invitation from a private tour operator in Greenland. The KNQK federation, which organizes the event, called this invitation "totally inappropriate." They stated on Facebook that the tour company withdrew the invite on its own.
The federation expressed concern about political pressure from outside sources. They launched an investigation to find out who sent the original invitation. KNQK emphasized that foreign political figures should not participate in such local events.
This decision highlights strained relations between the U.S. and Greenland, an autonomous part of Denmark. Trump has repeatedly shown interest in acquiring the island, which has upset local leaders.
Landry's role as envoy focuses on making Greenland part of the U.S., according to reports. However Greenland's officials and residents oppose these ideas.