Trump announces he’s appointing Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to serve as US special envoy to Greenland

President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, reviving his controversial ambition to bring the Danish territory under American control.

The announcement, made Sunday from West Palm Beach, Florida, underscores Trump’s persistent interest in the strategically positioned Arctic island, which he has repeatedly described as essential to U.S. national security interests.

“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 in his statement.

Landry, who only began his term as Louisiana governor in January 2024, quickly accepted the appointment while clarifying it would not affect his gubernatorial duties. “It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.,” Landry wrote on social media platform X. “This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”

Trump’s fixation on acquiring Greenland has been a recurring theme since his first administration and throughout the presidential transition period. The president has not ruled out using military force to gain control of the island, despite Denmark being a NATO ally – a stance that has alarmed international observers.

The timing of this appointment comes amid escalating tensions. In August, Danish officials summoned the U.S. ambassador following reports that individuals connected to Trump had conducted covert influence operations in Greenland. The Danish Defense Intelligence Service recently issued an assessment stating that the United States under Trump has been using its economic power to “assert its will” and threaten military force against both adversaries and allies.

“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 intelligence report noted.

Greenland, the world’s largest island, holds significant strategic value due to its location between North America and Europe and its abundance of rare earth minerals and natural resources. As climate change continues to open Arctic shipping routes and expose previously inaccessible resources, the region has become increasingly important geopolitically.

Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance visited a U.S. military base on the island and criticized Denmark for allegedly underinvesting in the territory. The United States has maintained a military presence in Greenland since World War II, with the Thule Air Base serving as a critical early warning radar station.

Both Denmark and Greenland’s authorities have repeatedly stated that the island is not for sale and have condemned reports of U.S. intelligence gathering activities in the territory. The diplomatic tension has created an unusual rift between the United States and Denmark, traditionally strong allies within NATO.

The push for American control over Greenland has also faced opposition from Russia and several European nations, who view it as an aggressive expansion of U.S. influence in the Arctic region.

The Danish Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Landry’s appointment.

This development comes as global powers increasingly compete for influence in the Arctic. Russia has been expanding its military presence in the region, while China has declared itself a “near-Arctic state” and invested in research stations and infrastructure projects across the Arctic Circle.

Landry’s appointment signals that Trump intends to prioritize Arctic policy and specifically Greenland acquisition efforts during his second term, despite the significant diplomatic challenges such a move presents with a longstanding European ally.