President Donald Trump publicly appointed Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as US Special Envoy to Greenland while Landry framed the role as helping “make Greenland a part of the US,” prompting Denmark and Greenland to restate territorial red lines.
Trump wrote he was “pleased to announce” the appointment and said Landry “understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security,” and would advance US interests for the “Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies.”
Landry responded on X: “Thank you @realDonaldTrump! It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.,” adding it “in no way affects” his job as Louisiana governor.
Under Louisiana law, a person holding an elective office, appointive office, or employment in Louisiana state government or a political subdivision is prohibited to simultaneously hold another elective office, appointive office, or employment in the US government.
Denmark’s response centered on sovereignty language and diplomatic escalation, saying it would call the US ambassador for an explanation, while Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the appointment as “deeply upsetting” and said Denmark “cannot accept actions that undermine our territorial integrity.”
Greenland’s prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the territory would cooperate with the US and others only on “mutual respect.”
“The appointment of a special envoy does not change anything for us. We decide our own future. Greenland belongs to Greenlanders, and territorial integrity must be respected,” he explained.
Trump and Landry have spent the past two cycles publicly boosting each other: Trump endorsed Landry in the Louisiana governor’s race in May 2023, then Landry endorsed Trump for president in the 2024 runoff. In addition, there were reported Louisiana GOP and Landry-linked campaign activity and spending at Mar-a-Lago during the campaign period.
Greenland is home to about 57,000 people, with extensive self-government since 1979, while defense and foreign policy remain in Danish hands. Most Greenlanders favor eventual independence from Denmark, while opinion polls show overwhelming opposition to becoming part of the US.
Trump tried to buy Greenland in 2019 and was rebuffed, the US reopened a consulate in Nuuk in 2020 after closing it in 1953, and the US has maintained a base in Greenland since World War Two. Vice President JD Vance visited the base in March and urged Greenlanders to “cut a deal with the US.”
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