Trump appoints Louisiana governor as special envoy for Greenland Copenhagen summons US ambassador
Trump has reiterated on several occasions that any US control of the island would be part of a national security rationale and would serve to 'protect the free world' from the growing influence of Russia and China in the Arctic
Key points
US President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as US Special Envoy for Greenland.
The announcement came in the night via a message posted by Trump on the Truth Social platform, in which the president called Landry 'a great governor' and emphasised how he understands 'the critical importance of Greenland to the national security of the United States', assuring that he will vigorously defend American interests 'for the safety and survival of our allies and, ultimately, the entire world'.
Trump has reiterated on several occasions that any US control of the island would be part of a national security rationale and would serve to 'protect the free world' from the growing influence of Russia and China in the Arctic. In the past, the president has also refused to explicitly rule out the use of military force to gain control of the territory.
The reactions from Nuuk were of the opposite sign. Former Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede, in office from 2021 to 2025, has repeatedly stated that Greenland 'is not and never will be for sale'.
Greenland was a colony of Denmark until 1953. Although it was granted extensive autonomy in 2009, allowing it to govern itself and make independent decisions on domestic policy, the island continues to be part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
