US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he is appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, framing the decision as crucial for national security.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Landry “understands how essential Greenland is to our national security” and would aggressively advance US interests “for the safety and survival of our allies and of course the world”. The White House, the office of Greenland’s prime minister and representatives of Landry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It also remains unclear whether Landry, who took office in January 2024, will be required to step down as governor.
Trump has repeatedly argued over the years that Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, should become part of the United States, citing strategic concerns and growing interest in the island’s mineral resources. Landry publicly supported the idea earlier this year.
“President Donald J. Trump is absolutely right,” Landry wrote on X on 9 January. “We need to ensure Greenland becomes part of the United States. GREAT for them, GREAT for us. Let’s do it.”
Greenland and Denmark have consistently rejected any such prospect.
Although Washington and Nuuk renewed commitments this month to work together with “mutual respect”, Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said recent US statements had caused uncertainty among the island’s population. She stressed the need for frank dialogue to restore confidence.
“Our country and the United States have cooperated for 80 years on the basis of common interests. There is a need to rebuild trust so that we can continue this good cooperation,” Motzfeldt said on 8 December, according to the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq.
Source: CNA