US opens new consulate in Greenland’s capital after years in wooden cabin

The US Embassy in Denmark has confirmed that Ambassador Ken Howery will travel to Nuuk to inaugurate new consulate premises on 21 May, relocating from a small wooden cabin near the industrial harbour to a central office complex, DR reports.

The move follows years of operations from a modest red timber building since the US reopened its consulate in Greenland in 2020. The new location occupies the entire ground floor of a recently constructed complex in downtown Nuuk, purchased in 2024.

The inauguration coincides with the Future Greenland business conference, where a US delegation—including Jeff Landry, Donald Trump’s special envoy to Greenland—will participate. Landry, who also serves as governor of Louisiana, will attend the consulate opening, marking his first visit since his appointment in January.

Landry recently drew attention for criticising Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen on social media, stating he should “be ashamed” for declining a US hospital ship offer.

Greenland’s foreign affairs minister, Múte B. Egede, acknowledged public unease over past US statements about potential territorial interests but urged calm. “The disrespectful way things have been phrased—talking about buying and owning—I understand has created pressure,” he told DR, adding that the government would closely monitor the delegation’s agenda.

Egede emphasised that discussions should remain within the existing US-Greenland-Denmark working group framework, established after a 2024 meeting in Washington, and not spawn parallel talks.