President Donald Trump announced Sunday that Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry will serve as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland. The Arctic island, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, has drawn attention from the U.S. for its strategic location and resources. Trump has previously said the U.S. needs control over Greenland to protect national security.
“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,” Trump said during the announcement.
Trump first raised the issue during his presidential transition and early months in office, suggesting the U.S. could even use military force to secure the island. Although the topic had faded from headlines, Danish officials were alerted in August after reports indicated that people connected to Trump conducted covert influence operations in Greenland.
Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance visited a remote U.S. military base on Greenland and criticized Denmark for underinvesting in the area. Trump has consistently called Greenland vital for U.S. security, noting its strategic importance in the Arctic.
Landry, who began his term as governor in January 2024 and will serve until January 2028, expressed honor at the appointment. He posted on X, thanking Trump and clarifying, “This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”
Denmark and Greenland have made clear the island is not for sale and condemned reports of U.S. intelligence operations. Russia and much of Europe also oppose U.S. efforts in the Arctic region. The Embassy of Denmark in Washington did not immediately comment on Landry’s appointment.
The Danish Defense Intelligence Service said in a recent report that the U.S. is using its economic power to assert its will and has threatened military force against both allies and rivals. The report added that America’s increasing focus on the Arctic comes as China and Russia work to reduce Western influence.
“The strategic importance of the Arctic is rising as the conflict between Russia and the West intensifies, and the growing security and strategic focus on the Arctic by the United States will further accelerate these developments,” the Danish report stated.
Landry’s role as U.S. special envoy to Greenland highlights the Arctic’s rising significance in global security. The appointment comes amid tensions over military presence, economic influence, and the strategic positioning of the United States, Denmark, and other global powers.
