WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump revealed on Sunday his decision to appoint Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the United States’ special envoy to Greenland. This expansive, semi-autonomous region of Denmark has been a focus of Trump’s ambition to bring it under U.S. control.

“Jeff grasps the crucial role Greenland plays in our national security and will be a stalwart advocate for our country’s interests, ensuring the safety, security, and survival of our allies and the world at large,” Trump stated while announcing Landry’s new role.

Throughout his transition back to the presidency and during the early days of his administration, Trump has consistently expressed a desire for American oversight of Greenland. He has not dismissed the possibility of using military means to achieve control over the resource-rich and strategically vital Arctic territory.

Although the topic had faded from public discourse, it resurfaced in August when Danish authorities summoned the U.S. ambassador. This move followed revelations that individuals linked to Trump had engaged in covert operations to sway influence in Greenland.

Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance paid a visit to a secluded U.S. military installation on the island and criticized Denmark for insufficient investment in the region.

Trump has said that Greenland is crucial for U.S. security and hasn’t ruled out taking the island by military force, even though Denmark is a NATO ally of the U.S.

Landry took office as governor in January 2024. His term ends in January 2028.

“It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.,” Landry wrote in a posting on X in which he thanked Trump for the appointment. He added, “This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”

Denmark, a NATO ally of the U.S., and Greenland have said the island is not for sale and condemned reports of the U.S. gathering intelligence there. The U.S. push for Greenland is also opposed by Russia and much of Europe.

The Embassy of Denmark in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Landry’s appointment.

The Danish Defense Intelligence Service said in a report earlier this month that the United States is using its economic power to “assert its will” and threaten military force against friend and foe alike.

The service, in its annual assessment, said Washington’s greater assertiveness under the Trump administration also comes as China and Russia seek to diminish Western, especially American, influence.

“The strategic importance of the Arctic is rising as the conflict between Russia and the West intensifies, and the growing security and strategic focus on the Arctic by the United States will further accelerate these developments,” the report said.