The United States named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland on Monday — reiterating calls to make the Danish territory “a part of” America. The announcement has sparked outrage across Denmark, with officials indicating they would summon the US ambassador to register their concerns. Donald Trump had evinced a strong interest in acquiring Greenland after taking over as US President earlier this year — paying no heed to repeated refusals from Denmark.
“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 wrote on Truth Social.
Landry had responded to the message insisting that he was honoured to serve “in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US”. His X message thanking Trump also assured that the new role would not affect his position as the Governor of Louisiana.
Greenland as the 51st US state
President Trump has repeatedly called for the annexation of Greenland since taking over in January — citing security reasons and evincing interest in its vast mineral resources. The Arctic island operates as a largely self-governing Danish territory that has seen growing calls for independence on its own terms. Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede and nearly 90% of the populace have repeatedly rejected US takeover proposals and insist that their country is “not for sale”.
But rejection appears to have only made President Trump more determined to acquire the country — including vague assertions that military force or invasion remain on the table. The POTUS had also declared in march 2025 that America would “go as far as we have to” for control over Greenland.
“I don’t rule it out. I don’t say I’m going to do it, but I don’t rule out anything,” he insisted in a May 2025 NBC interview upon being asked about military action.
Denmark fumes, US ambassador summoned
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Monday that he would summon the US ambassador to Copenhagen. The top official aid he was particularly upset by Landry’s support for Trump’s aim of making Greenland part of the United States. Greenland’s prime minister reiterated that the island would decide its own future.
“I am deeply upset by this appointment of a special envoy. And I am particularly upset by his statements, which we find completely unacceptable…We insist that everyone – including the U.S. – must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark,” Lokke Rasmussen told TV 2 and Reuters in separate statements.
“We have woken up again to a new announcement from the U.S. president. This may sound big, but it does not change anything for us. We decide our own future,” added Greenland PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen in a Facebook post.