The move comes amid Trump’s long-standing interest in Greenland, which dates back to his first term when he publicly floated the idea of acquiring the island from Denmark.
New York [US], December 22, 2025, BNN Web Staff — US President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the Special Envoy to Greenland, underscoring Washington’s renewed strategic focus on the Arctic region.
The announcement was made through a social media post, in which Trump said Landry understands the critical importance of Greenland to US national security and would work to advance American interests for the safety and security of its allies globally.
The move comes amid Trump’s long-standing interest in Greenland, which dates back to his first term when he publicly floated the idea of acquiring the island from Denmark.
During his current term, Trump has again highlighted Greenland’s strategic significance, citing its geographic position between North America and Europe and its vast reserves of rare earth minerals.
Greenland plays a crucial role in US defence strategy, particularly in monitoring and deterring potential threats from Russia in the Arctic.
The United States already maintains a military presence on the island, with a US Space Force base located on Greenland’s northwest coast.
Earlier this year, Trump reiterated that he did not rule out expanding US influence over Greenland, emphasising its importance for international security. He also remarked on Greenland’s small population, stating that their interests would be protected.
In January, Trump had raised concerns by not ruling out the use of economic or military pressure regarding Greenland, though Vice President JD Vance later indicated that a military takeover was unlikely. During his visit to the US base in March, Vance said Washington expects any future changes in Greenland’s status to occur through self-determination by its people.
Trump’s comments and the administration’s stance have sparked criticism in both Greenland and Denmark.
Greenland’s leadership has firmly rejected any notion of the island being sold or transferred. In April, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated that Greenland would never be treated as property available for purchase.
Greenland was governed as a Danish colony until 1953 and has since gained increasing autonomy. In 2009, it assumed greater control over internal affairs such as minerals, policing and the judicial system, while Denmark retained authority over defence, foreign policy and monetary matters. Greenland also benefits from Denmark’s membership in the European Union and NATO.
