US President Donald Trump appoints Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, reigniting debate over US interest in the territory.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (pic) as a special envoy to Greenland.
Trump announced the move in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday.
“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 wrote.
Landry, who became Louisiana’s governor in January 2024, thanked Trump for the appointment on social media platform X.
“It’s an honor to serve … in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.,” Landry stated.
He clarified that the role “in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana.”
Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire for the United States to acquire Greenland.
He has cited national security concerns and an interest in the island’s mineral resources as reasons.
Landry publicly supported the idea earlier this year in a social media post.
“President Donald J. Trump is absolutely right!” Landry wrote on January 9.
“We need to ensure that Greenland joins the United States. GREAT for them, GREAT for us! Let’s get it done!”
Both Greenland and Denmark, which oversees its foreign and defence policy, have consistently rejected the notion of becoming part of the US.
The US and Greenland recently pledged “mutual respect” in their relations.
Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, however, said US comments had created local uncertainty.
She stressed the need for open dialogue with the United States to restore trust.
“Our country and the United States have cooperated for 80 years based on common interests,” Motzfeldt told local daily Sermitsiaq on December 8.
“There is a need to restore trust so we can continue good cooperation.”
The White House and the Greenland Prime Minister’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the appointment.
