Trump’s newly appointed envoy to Greenland says US not looking to ‘conquer’ the Danish territory

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — President Donald Trump’s new envoy to Greenland said Tuesday that the Republican administration is seeking to start a conversation with residents of the semi-autonomous Danish territory about the best path forward for the strategically important island.

In his first extensive comments since being appointed to the post this week, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the Trump administration was not going to “go in there and try to conquer anyone” or try to “take over anyone’s country.”

The governor’s comments appear somewhat at odds with Trump, who has repeatedly said the United States must seize Arctic territory for the sake of American security and has not ruled out using military force to take control of the strategically located, mineral-rich Arctic island.

“Well, I think our discussions should be with the real people of Greenland — the Greenlanders,” Landry said during an appearance on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show.” “What are they looking for? What opportunities haven’t they had? Why haven’t they gotten the protection they really deserve?”

Trump’s announcement of Landry’s nomination once again caused concern in Denmark and Europe.

The Danish Foreign Minister told Danish media that he would summon the American ambassador to his ministry.

“We have said it before. Now we say it again. National borders and state sovereignty are anchored in international law,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a joint statement on Monday. “These are fundamental principles. You cannot annex another country. Not even with a debate on international security.”

Trump repeatedly called for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland during his presidential transition and in the first months of his second term. In March, Vice President JD Vance visited a remote US military base in Greenland and accused Denmark of underinvesting in the region.

The issue gradually faded from the news, but in August Danish officials summoned the top U.S. diplomat to Copenhagen following reports that at least three people with ties to Trump had conducted covert influence operations in Greenland.

The Trump administration offered no warning before announcing Landry’s nomination, according to a Danish government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

The administration also has not yet provided details about the nomination to Congress, according to a congressional aide who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Trump is reigniting the Greenland debate at a time when he has no shortage of foreign policy crises to navigate, including maintaining a fragile truce in Gaza and negotiating an end to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s brutal war in Ukraine.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday questioned the wisdom of “fighting among friends” at such a difficult time around the world.

“Greenland’s sovereignty is not up for debate,” Shaheen said. “Denmark is a vital NATO ally that has stood alongside the United States”