WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he is appointing Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to serve as the United States’ special envoy to Greenland, the vast, semi-autonomous Danish territory that Trump has said the United States needs to take over.
“Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will vigorously advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World,” Trump said when announcing the appointment.
Trump during his presidential transition and in the first months of his return to the White House has repeatedly called for US jurisdiction over Greenland, and has not ruled out military force to take control of the strategically located Arctic island rich in minerals.
The issue had been out of the news in recent months, but in August, Danish officials summoned the US ambassador following a report that at least three people with connections to Trump had conducted covert influence operations in Greenland.
Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance visited a remote US military base on the island and accused Denmark of underinvesting there.
Trump said that Greenland is crucial to the security of the United States and did not rule out taking the island by military force, even though Denmark is a NATO ally of the United States.
Landry took office as governor in January 2024. His term ends in January 2028.
“It is an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland part of the United States,” Landry wrote in a post on X thanking Trump for the appointment. He added, “This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”
Denmark, a US NATO ally, and Greenland have said the island is not for sale and condemned reports the US is gathering intelligence there. The US push for Greenland is also opposed by Russia and much of Europe.
The Embassy of Denmark in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Landry’s appointment.
The Danish Defense Intelligence Service said in a report earlier this month that the US is using its economic power to “assert its will” and threaten military force against friend and foe alike.
The service, in its annual assessment, said Washington’s greater assertiveness under the Trump administration also comes as China and Russia seek to reduce the influence of the West, especially America.
“The strategic importance of the Arctic is increasing 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 report said.