President Donald Trump announced on Sunday night that he has nominated Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA) as special envoy to Greenland, a Danish territory the president has long expressed interest in.
“I am pleased to announce that I am appointing the GREAT Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, as the United States Special Envoy to Greenland. 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. Congratulations Jeff!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
The pick is highly unusual, as Landry is still set to serve as Louisiana governor until 2028. It is unclear whether the appointment would require Landry to step away from the governor’s mansion, though he will still need to be confirmed by the Senate.
Regardless, the position signals Trump’s interest in the Arctic island hasn’t wavered, even as he aggressively pursues other national security interests to the south of the United States in the Caribbean.
The island received significant attention from Trump in the first few months of his second term, with the president repeatedly stressing its importance for national security and toying with the idea of somehow acquiring it, either by purchasing it from Denmark or using military force.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth did not rule out the latter possibility in remarks to Congress last summer.
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Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, also visited the island, with the vice president instead pitching a voluntary partnership between Greenland and the U.S., but also stressing that it “has to happen.”
“The reason it has to happen — I hate to say it — is because our friends in Denmark have not done their job in keeping this area safe,” Vance said last March.
