US President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland.
“Jeff understands how important Greenland is to our national security and will vigorously advance our nation’s interests to ensure the safety, security and survival of our allies and the entire world,” Trump posted on his Truth social network Sunday night.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has again floated the idea of ​​taking control of the island during his first term. The island is largely autonomous but is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The US president considers Greenland strategically important both for national defense and as a source of mineral wealth.
Greenland is the world’s largest island, four-fifths covered by ice and home to nearly 57,000 people.
Danish media recently reported that the US government is seeking to establish direct contact with the Greenlandic government. However, it is Danish political practice for Danish and Greenlandic representatives to attend talks on diplomatic, security or defense issues affecting the islands.
Landry posted on social media platform
The Republican, who has served as governor of the southeastern state since early 2024, stressed that the new position “in no way affects my position as governor of Louisiana!”
It was initially unclear why Trump appointed Landry as special envoy to the island. Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is located about 4,600 kilometers southwest of Nuuk, the capital of the Arctic Island.
