President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the United States “special envoy to Greenland,” intensifying a long-running U.S. political push to increase control over the Arctic territory and raising immediate sensitivities in Copenhagen and Nuuk.

Trump announced the appointment on December 21, 2025, framing Greenland as central to U.S. security and allied interests.

Landry’s role is described as voluntary and non-paid, and he indicated it would not interfere with his responsibilities as governor, a term that runs to January 2028.

Trump said Landry “understands how essential Greenland is” to U.S. national security.

Landry called it an “honor” and, in one account, said he would work “to make Greenland part of the US.”

“Not for Sale,” Again

The appointment lands on terrain that Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly tried to close: both have consistently rejected any U.S. effort to acquire the island, an idea Trump previously aired publicly in 2019.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, responded by underscoring that U.S. interest must not come at the expense of the Kingdom of Denmark’s territorial integrity.

Greenland’s leadership has also warned that U.S. rhetoric is eroding trust.

Greenland’s foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, has said recent statements have created uncertainty among Greenlanders and emphasized transparent dialogue to rebuild confidence after decades of cooperation.

Both the White House and Greenland’s prime minister’s office declined to comment on the envoy appointment, according to Reuters.

Envoy Role, Arctic Stakes

Supporters of the move point to Greenland’s geography and resources.

Coverage of the appointment has highlighted the island’s role in North Atlantic and Arctic security—linked to U.S. operations and infrastructure in Greenland—as well as interest in mineral deposits.

The move also comes after 2025 saw heightened diplomatic tension around Greenland, including scrutiny tied to alleged U.S.-linked influence activity and Denmark’s heightened sensitivity to sovereignty questions.