The United States must put their mark back on Greenland, says the American special envoy for the autonomous Danish territory

Donald Trump has often declared his intention to take possession of the immense island, including by force, in the name of “national security.” Greenland, Denmark, and the European Union have always opposed any such initiative.

The tensions around Greenland seem to be resurfacing. The American commissioner for the Arctic territory, Jeff Landry, stated on Wednesday, May 20, to the AFP that the United States should strengthen its presence in the Danish autonomous territory. “I think it is time for the United States to make its mark on Greenland. I think you see the president [Trump] talking about strengthening national security operations and allocating personnel to certain bases in Greenland,” he said after his first visit to the island since his appointment in December 2025.

Currently, the United States only has one military base in Greenland, compared to more than a dozen military installations at the height of the Cold War. Donald Trump has often stated his desire to take possession of the territory, including by force, in the name of “national security.” Greenland, Denmark, and the European Union have opposed any such initiative.

“I believe the President of the United States wants to see the country become economically independent,” Jeff Landry stated to the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq on Wednesday. “I think it’s possible,” added the Governor of Louisiana, who met with former political leaders and Greenlandic business leaders. His visit is expected to be reported to Donald Trump.