The US special envoy to Greenland has declared it is time for Washington to reestablish its presence on the Arctic island, concluding his inaugural visit since his appointment in December 2025. Jeff Landry, who also serves as the Republican governor of Louisiana, told Agence France-Presse that the United States must "put its footprint back on Greenland," emphasizing that "Greenland needs the US."
President Donald Trump has persistently argued that US control over Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, is essential for national security. He has warned that without US involvement, the island could fall under the influence of China or Russia. Greenland sits on the shortest missile route between Russia and the US, holds untapped rare-earth minerals, and is gaining strategic importance as polar ice melts, opening new shipping lanes.
Cold War Legacy and New Military Plans
During the Cold War, the US operated 17 military facilities in Greenland, but now maintains only one—the Pituffik base in the north. According to recent media reports, Washington aims to establish three new bases in the southern part of the territory. A 1951 defense pact, updated in 2004, already permits the US to increase troop deployments and military installations, provided it notifies Denmark and Greenland in advance.
Landry linked the need for a stronger US footprint to enhanced national security operations and the repopulation of certain bases. He noted that President Trump is actively discussing these measures.
Controversial Visit and Local Reactions
Landry arrived in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, on Sunday without an official invitation, sparking controversy. Greenlandic and Danish officials have repeatedly asserted that only Greenland can determine its own future. Landry met with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Foreign Minister Mute Egede on Monday.
Nielsen described the talks as "constructive" but noted that there was "no sign … that anything has changed" in the US position. He previously told reporters that even if the US desire to "secure control of Greenland … is completely disrespectful … we are obliged to find a solution."
Independence Aspirations and Economic Dependency
In an interview with the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq, Landry fueled Greenland's independence dreams. While polls show a majority of Greenlanders favor eventual independence from Denmark, the government has no immediate plans due to unresolved issues, particularly the island's heavy economic reliance on Denmark.
"I think there are some incredible opportunities that can actually lift Greenlanders from dependency to independence," Landry said. He added that President Trump would like to see Greenland become economically independent, calling it "possible here."
Medical Mission Adds to Tensions
Landry's visit was further complicated by the presence of a US doctor who accompanied him. The doctor told Danish television TV2 that he was there "to assess the medical needs" in Greenland. This follows Denmark and Greenland's rejection in February of Trump's offer to send a naval hospital ship to care for the sick.
Greenland's Health Minister, Anna Wangenheim, criticized the doctor's presence, stating, "Greenlanders are not guinea pigs in a geopolitical project."
