WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – President Donald Trump has recently appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the U.S. envoy to Greenland. In his first comments since the appointment, Landry emphasized that the Trump administration aims to start a dialogue with the residents of Greenland regarding their future. He assured that the approach would not involve any form of conquest or takeover of the territory, which is a semi-autonomous part of Denmark.
Landry's remarks contrasted sharply with Trump's previous statements, where he has expressed a strong desire for U.S. jurisdiction over the Arctic territory, citing reasons of national security. Trump has previously hinted at the possibility of using military force to assert control over Greenland, which is rich in mineral resources and holds strategic importance in the Arctic region.
During an appearance on "The Will Cain Show" on Fox News, Landry stated, “Well, I think our discussions should be with the actual people in Greenland—the Greenlanders. What are they looking for? What opportunities have they not gotten? Why haven’t they gotten the protection that they actually deserve?” His comments aim to portray a more diplomatic approach than Trump's discussions about annexation.
The announcement of Landry’s role as envoy has reignited tension between the United States and Denmark. Denmark's Foreign Minister indicated plans to summon the U.S. ambassador to address concerns about U.S. intentions regarding Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a joint statement reinforcing the importance of national borders and sovereignty, asserting that annexation is not permissible under international law, even under security pretenses.
Trump's push for U.S. oversight of Greenland has been ongoing, dating back to his presidential transition phase and the early months of his second term. In March, Vice President JD Vance visited a U.S. military site in Greenland and criticized Denmark for what he termed under-investment in the region. Although the issue had faded from public discourse for a time, it resurfaced after reports indicated that individuals connected to Trump were allegedly engaging in covert operations in Greenland.
Compounding the diplomatic tensions, a Danish government official disclosed that the Trump administration did not provide advance notice about Landry's appointment, raising further concerns in Copenhagen. There has also been a lack of communication from the administration regarding the details of the envoy's role, prompting questions within Congress.
As Trump rekindles discussions about Greenland, it comes at a time when the administration faces numerous foreign policy challenges, including managing an unstable ceasefire in Gaza and addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the leading Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the timing of this renewed focus on Greenland, cautioning against creating friction with allies. She pointed out that Greenland's sovereignty is not a subject for negotiation, highlighting Denmark as a crucial NATO ally that has cooperated closely with the United States.
