Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the administration wants direct discussions with Greenlanders about security and opportunity, amid renewed concern in Denmark over U.S. intentions.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump’s newly appointed envoy to Greenland said Tuesday that the administration is not seeking to seize territory but instead wants to open direct discussions with residents of the strategically significant island about its future and security needs.
In his first extended remarks since being named to the role, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the Trump administration intends to engage Greenland’s population rather than impose outside control. “We’re not going to go in there trying to conquer anybody,” Landry said. “We’re not going to try to take over anybody’s country.”
Landry said the administration believes conversations should focus on Greenlanders themselves and what they see as unmet needs. “What are they looking for? What opportunities have they not gotten? Why haven’t they gotten the protection that they actually deserve?” he said.
Trump has repeatedly described Greenland as critical to U.S. national security, citing its location in the Arctic and its proximity to emerging global shipping routes and military corridors. His decision to appoint a special envoy has reignited concerns in Denmark and across Europe about Washington’s long-term intentions toward the semi-autonomous territory.
Denmark’s foreign minister said he would summon the U.S. ambassador in response to the appointment. In a joint statement issued Monday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen stressed that sovereignty cannot be overridden. “National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law,” the statement said. “They are fundamental principles. You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security.”
Trump publicly raised the idea of bringing Greenland under U.S. jurisdiction during his presidential transition and in the early months of his second term, prompting strong pushback from Copenhagen. In March, Vice President JD Vance visited a U.S. military base on the island and accused Denmark of failing to invest adequately in Greenland’s defense infrastructure.
While the controversy later faded from public view, tensions resurfaced in August when Danish officials summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen after reports that individuals connected to Trump had conducted covert influence activities in Greenland.
According to a Danish government official, the Trump administration did not provide advance notice to Danish authorities before announcing Landry’s appointment. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. A congressional aide likewise said Congress has not yet received details about the role or its scope, also speaking anonymously due to a lack of authorization to comment publicly.
Landry’s remarks appear aimed at easing fears that the administration is pursuing territorial expansion, even as Trump continues to frame Greenland as a vital component of U.S. strategic planning in the Arctic.
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