President Donald Trump’s newly appointed envoy to Greenland said Tuesday the U.S. is seeking dialogue with residents of the semi-autonomous Danish territory, and is not aiming to seize or control the strategically important Arctic island.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, speaking publicly for the first time since his appointment, stressed that the administration will not “go in there trying to conquer anybody” or take over another country.
Landry’s remarks appeared to contrast with Trump’s repeated statements advocating U.S. control over Greenland for security reasons, including the possibility of military involvement to secure the mineral-rich island.
“We should be talking to the Greenlanders directly,” Landry said on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show.” “What are they looking for? What opportunities have they not received? Why haven’t they gotten the protection they deserve?”
Trump’s appointment of Landry has again raised concerns in Denmark and across Europe. Danish officials said they would summon the U.S. ambassador to discuss the issue.
“National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a joint statement Monday. “You cannot annex another country, even under the guise of international security.”
Trump had previously called for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland during his presidential transition and early second term. Vice President JD Vance visited a U.S. military base on the island in March, criticizing Denmark for under-investment.
The issue resurfaced in August after Danish officials reported covert influence operations in Greenland linked to Trump associates. Danish authorities said the U.S. administration gave no advance notice of Landry’s appointment, and Congress has yet to receive details.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the timing of the move. “Greenland’s sovereignty is not up for debate,” she said. “Denmark is a critical NATO ally that has stood side by side with the U.S.”