Washington (Parliament Politics Magazine) – US President Trump announced Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, as Washington presses security and strategic interests in the Arctic.
As reported by The Telegraph, President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as US special envoy to Greenland, renewing calls for American control of the Danish territory.
What did Donald Trump say about Greenland while appointing Jeff Landry?
Donald Trump has repeatedly argued for US control over Greenland since his transition and early months back in office, while leaving open the possibility of using military force to secure the Arctic island.
His announcement on Sunday, 21 December, confirmed Jeff Landry’s appointment, saying,
“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.”
Danish officials called in the US ambassador in August after reports that at least three individuals linked to President Trump carried out secret operations in Greenland.
Earlier in 2025, US Vice President JD Vance visited a US military base on Greenland, accusing Denmark of under-investing in the facility.
Mr Trump has described Greenland as vital to American security and has not ruled out using military force to take the island, despite Denmark remaining a NATO member.
Over the years, he has repeatedly argued that Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, should become part of the US for security and resource reasons, with Mr Landry praising the idea earlier this year.
The newly appointed envoy posted on X on 9 January,
“President Donald J. Trump is absolutely right! We need to ensure that Greenland joins the United States. GREAT for them, GREAT for us! Let’s get it done!”
President Donald J. Trump is absolutely right! We need to ensure that Greenland joins the United States. GREAT for them, GREAT for us! Let’s get it done! @DonaldJTrumpJr @SergioGor 🇺🇸 ❤️ 🇬🇱
— Jeff Landry (@JeffLandry) January 10, 2025
Commenting on his recent appointment, Mr Landry said he was honored to serve in the volunteer position to make Greenland part of the US, adding it would not interfere with his governorship in Louisiana.
He wrote on X,
“Thank you @realDonaldTrump! It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S. This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”
Thank you @realDonaldTrump! It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S. This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!
— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) December 22, 2025
Officials in Denmark and Greenland have rejected the notion of selling the island and criticized reports suggesting the US had conducted intelligence-gathering activities there.
Russia and other European nations have also opposed the American initiative in Greenland, while the Danish embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A report from Denmark’s Defence Intelligence Service earlier this month claimed the United States is using its economic influence to “assert its will” and threaten military action against allies and adversaries.
According to the agency, the US has become more assertive under President Trump as China and Russia attempt to limit Western, especially American, influence.
The report added,
“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.”
Earlier this month, the US and Greenland pledged “mutual respect,” but Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said Washington’s statements had caused uncertainty among locals and stressed the importance of open dialogue.
He said on 8 December,
“Our country and the United States have cooperated for 80 years based on common interests. There is a need to restore trust so we can continue good cooperation.”
In March, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described Trump’s remarks as “far out” and a “hidden threat.”
“It is not fair for the American president to use that rhetoric. You are going too far both in terms of interfering in internal affairs in Greenland and not least in the lack of respect for the fact that it is the people of Greenland who determine Greenland’s future,”
he added.
Why does Donald Trump want to take control of Greenland?
Donald Trump’s interest in controlling Greenland aims to secure US national security, as its location in the Arctic is seen as crucial for defending North America against potential missile strikes and for tracking Russian and Chinese military actions.
Greenland has large deposits of rare earth elements and other minerals essential for modern technology and military equipment, offering an opportunity to reduce the US’s dependence on China for these resources.
The plan to take control of Greenland follows a long trend in US foreign policy, similar to past moves like Alaska, and aims to directly control its strategic advantages instead of depending on partners.
