Trump appoints Louisiana governor as special envoy to Greenland, drawing Danish protest
President Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland on Sunday, prompting Denmark to summon the U.S. ambassador and demand respect for its sovereignty.
December 22, 2025 - 10:29 AM ET • 2 min read
President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he was appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the United States' special envoy to Greenland, reigniting diplomatic tensions with Denmark over the Arctic territory.
In a post on social media, Trump said Landry "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."
Landry, 54, responded on social media platform X, saying it was "an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the US." He added that he would continue serving as Louisiana governor alongside the new role. Landry was elected Louisiana's chief executive in 2023 and previously served as a congressman and state attorney general.
The appointment marks the first time the United States has appointed a special envoy to Greenland, according to available records.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Monday he was "deeply angered" and "profoundly indignant" by the move, calling it "totally unacceptable." He announced that Denmark would summon the U.S. ambassador in Copenhagen for an explanation and said he hoped the meeting could take place Monday or Tuesday.
Rasmussen stated that the appointment "confirms the continued American interest in Greenland" and demanded that Washington respect Denmark's sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the island.
Greenland's prime minister said the island must "decide our own future" and that its "territorial integrity must be respected."
Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark with a population of fewer than 60,000 people. Denmark is a member of both the European Union and NATO.
Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly stated that the United States needs the resource-rich island for security reasons. He has refused to rule out the use of force to obtain it. In previous statements, Trump has said he would like to annex Greenland.
Greenland's leaders have shown little interest in becoming a U.S. territory and have criticized the U.S. administration's calls for the country to join the United States.