Jeff Landry, President Trump’s newly appointed special envoy to Greenland, says his goal is to make the autonomous Danish territory “part of the U.S.”
Landry, the sitting Republican governor of Louisiana, made the comment in a post Sunday night thanking Trump for naming him to the position of special envoy.
“Thank you @realDonaldTrump! It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S. This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!” Landry said on the social platform X.
Trump in his post announcing Landry’s appointment said the governor “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.”
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland expressed concern following Trump’s announcement, emphasizing in a joint statement that another country cannot be annexed.
”We have said it before. Now, we say it again. National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said in a joint statement, according to The Associated Press. “They are fundamental principles. You cannot annex another country. Not even with an argument about international security.”
Trump floated the idea of purchasing Greenland during his first administration and ramped up such rhetoric during his 2024 campaign. He has argued that the territory, which is part of Denmark, is essential to U.S. national security.
After taking office in January, Trump did not rule out using military or economic force to take control of Greenland.
The U.S. Space Force operates a base on the northwest coast of the Arctic island. Vice President Vance visited the base in March and said the U.S. is not likely to use military force to take over the territory.
