President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, reigniting his long-standing ambition to bring the territory under U.S. control. The move, updated Jan 20, 2026, at 8:00 PM UTC, has already drawn swift condemnation from Denmark and Greenland, who jointly reaffirmed their commitment to international law protecting sovereignty and borders.

Trump has repeatedly asserted that Greenland is crucial for American national security, echoing arguments he has made since his first term in office. His renewed focus on Greenland aligns with his administration's National Security Strategy, which prioritizes U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere and aims to curtail Chinese and Russian influence, particularly in the Arctic region.

French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced his support for Denmark and Greenland, adding to the chorus of European leaders who oppose Trump's renewed interest in acquiring the territory. Trump's previous suggestions of buying or annexing Greenland have been met with resistance, but his rhetoric has intensified during his second term.

The Kingdom of Denmark has maintained sovereignty over Greenland since 1814, a relationship that has evolved into a high degree of self-government for the island. Greenland, while part of the Kingdom, possesses its own parliament and controls most domestic affairs, with Denmark handling foreign policy and defense. The island's strategic location in the Arctic has made it a focal point of geopolitical interest, particularly as climate change opens up new shipping routes and access to natural resources.

While the U.S. already enjoys close military cooperation with both Greenland and Denmark, Trump's approach has been perceived by some as undermining established diplomatic norms and disregarding the cultural and political autonomy of Greenland. The appointment of a special envoy signals a continued push by the Trump administration to assert its influence in the Arctic, despite resistance from key allies and the governments of Denmark and Greenland. The next steps remain unclear, but the situation is being closely monitored by international observers concerned about the potential implications for Arctic security and international law.