Trump Envoy Says U.S. Needs to Expand Influence in Greenland

Donald Trump’s envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, the governor of Louisiana, emphasized the need for the United States to expand its influence in Greenland during a recent visit. In an interview with AFP on May 20, Landry stated, "Greenland needs the United States," adding, "I believe it is time for the U.S. to leave its footprint in Greenland again." He noted that he is aware the president has mentioned expanding national security operations in Greenland and redeploying personnel to certain bases. Landry visited Nuuk to attend an economic forum held on May 19-20. However, his unilateral visit, without an official invitation from the event's organizer, Business Greenland, sparked controversy locally. Appointed as the U.S. envoy to Greenland in December 2025, this was Landry's first visit to the territory. He had previously attempted to attend a dog sled race in Greenland in March but had to cancel due to opposition from the Greenland Dog Sled Association (KNQK). During his visit, Landry met with Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen and Foreign Minister Múte Egede, conveying that there has been no change in President Trump’s stance on the desire to annex Greenland. Trump has argued for the necessity of securing Greenland for national security reasons. However, in January, he stepped back from the idea of using force and has since engaged in diplomatic discussions with Greenland. Regarding the national security concerns raised by Trump, both sides are reportedly discussing the expansion of U.S. military presence. Recently, the BBC reported that the U.S. is considering establishing three new military bases in southern Greenland and designating these facilities as U.S. territory. Currently, the only U.S. military base in Greenland is the Pituffik Space Base in the northwest.



* This article has been translated by AI.

Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.