Trump appoints Louisiana Governor as Greenland special envoy; Denmark urges respect

Yesterday 11:30

By: Sahili Aya

Trump appoints Louisiana Governor as Greenland special envoy; Denmark urges respect

President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, highlighting continued U.S. interest in the strategically important Arctic territory. The announcement, made on Sunday, comes amid longstanding U.S. discussions about Greenland’s security and mineral resources.

“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 on Truth Social. Landry previously expressed support for the idea of Greenland joining the United States, though both Greenland and Denmark have consistently rejected this notion.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen emphasized the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark. “The appointment confirms the continued American interest in Greenland. However, we insist that everyone — including the U.S. — must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark,” he said.

Greenlandic officials also called for open communication. Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt noted that U.S. statements had created uncertainty among locals and stressed the importance of restoring trust. “Our country and the United States have cooperated for 80 years based on common interests. There is a need to restore trust so we can continue good cooperation,” she said.

It remains unclear whether Landry will need to step down from his gubernatorial role while serving as envoy, and neither the White House nor Landry’s office has provided further details.