Landry’s appointment signals a volunteer diplomatic push while retaining governorship President Trump announced on Dec 21 that Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry would serve as a special envoy to Greenland, a role Landry says he will hold alongside his Louisiana duties and without pay [1][3][4][5]. The announcement came via a Truth Social post and was framed as a step toward “engaging with Greenlanders” rather than a takeover [1][2]. Landry described the mission as listening to residents about their needs and protections [1][2].

U.S. cites Arctic security and mineral potential as justification Trump repeatedly argued that Greenland is essential to U.S. national security because of its strategic location between North America and Europe and the presence of the Pituffik (Thule) base [3][4]. He highlighted the island’s untapped mineral wealth and the proximity of Russian and Chinese vessels as drivers of a renewed Arctic focus [3][4][1]. The administration’s new national‑security strategy, however, omitted any explicit mention of Greenland, surprising Danish officials [5].

Denmark and Greenland reject any notion of annexation, invoke international law Denmark’s prime minister and Greenland’s premier issued a joint statement that “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders” and that borders are rooted in international law, emphasizing that the territory is not for sale [1][2][3][4][5]. Copenhagen summoned the U.S. ambassador to protest the envoy appointment, and the EU expressed full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland over sovereignty [3][4]. Danish officials also referenced earlier covert influence‑operation reports linked to Trump associates as part of their concern [2][4].

Trump’s broader Greenland stance remains uncompromising, hinting at force Throughout the campaign and presidency, Trump has refused to rule out military options to secure jurisdiction over Greenland [1][2][4]. He has previously accused Denmark of under‑investing in the island and cited a Vice‑President JD Vance visit to a U.S. base as evidence of neglect [2]. The appointment of an envoy, while presented as dialogue, sits within this larger pattern of assertive rhetoric [1][4].