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 sharp criticism from Denmark and Greenland, who jointly reaffirmed their commitment to international law protecting sovereignty and borders.
Trump has repeatedly asserted that Greenland is crucial to American national security, a position he has maintained since his first term in office. His renewed focus on the island aligns with his administration's National Security Strategy, which prioritizes U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere and seeks to curtail Chinese and Russian influence, particularly in the Arctic region.
French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced his support for Denmark and Greenland, joining other European leaders in rejecting Trump's proposition. The concept of the United States acquiring Greenland, either through purchase or annexation, has been a recurring theme throughout Trump's presidency.
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 territory. Greenland, while part of the Kingdom, possesses its own parliament and controls most internal affairs. The island's strategic location between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans has long made it a point of geopolitical interest.
While the United States already enjoys close military cooperation with both Greenland and Denmark, Trump's approach has been perceived by some as undermining established diplomatic norms. The appointment of a special envoy signals a renewed effort by the Trump administration to pursue its strategic objectives in the Arctic, despite resistance from key allies and regional stakeholders. The next steps remain unclear, but the appointment sets the stage for further diplomatic engagement, and potential friction, surrounding Greenland's future.
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