Trump Appoints Louisiana Governor as Special Envoy to Greenland, Sparking Danish Outrage

President Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland on December 21, 2025, announcing the move on Truth Social and reigniting international tensions over his repeated claims that Greenland should become part of the United States. Trump cited national security concerns and interest in Arctic mineral resources as justification. Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen responded by saying he was "deeply angered" by the appointment, summoned the U.S. ambassador, and warned Washington to respect Denmark's sovereignty over the self-governing Danish territory. The appointment—which has no legal standing under international law—represents an escalation of Trump's long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, which he first publicly proposed purchasing in 2019. Both Danish and Greenlandic officials have consistently rejected any discussion of changing Greenland's status.

"I am pleased to announce Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the United States Special Envoy to Greenland." — Trump's Truth Social announcement of the appointment, December 21, 2025