Politics
NEW: Trump Renews Push To Acquire Greenland, Appoints Special Envoy
President Donald Trump has reignited his push to secure the arctic territory of Greenland, citing key national security concerns. The president further announced that he had appointed a Republican governor to oversee and coordinate the task.
“I am pleased to announce that I am appointing the GREAT Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, as the United States Special Envoy to Greenland. Jeff 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. Congratulations Jeff!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Landry confirmed the appointment and stated that it will not take away from his current duties in Louisiana. “Thank you @realDonaldTrump! It’s an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S. This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!” the governor wrote in a social media post of his own.
President Trump had raised the prospect of acquiring Greenland — currently a territory of Denmark — not long after winning the presidential election last November. He frequently pointed to national security concerns and sent a team of surrogates, including Donald Trump Jr. and the late Charlie Kirk, to survey the prospect and meet with local politicians.
Donald Trump Jr., Charlie Kirk and Sergio Gor pose for a photo shortly after landing in Greenland on January 7, 2025
Denmark has balked at the prospect, stating that Greenland is not for sale. “The appointment confirms the continued American interest in Greenland. However, we insist that everyone – including the US – must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark,” Denmark’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen, said in a statement obtained by Fox News.
Greenland’s unique positioning makes it of vital national security interest for the United States. A U.S. military base in Greenland plays an integral role in detecting rockets and missiles launched by . adversaries like China and Russia, both of whom have been attempting to expand their influence on the North American territory in recent years.
Located on the northwestern coast of Greenland, Thule Air Base is the U.S. military’s northernmost base and the only installation north of the Arctic Circle. It is home to the 12th Space Warning Squadron and conducts 24/7 missile detection using space surveillance and a massive AN/FPS-132 radar, according to a report from Defense News.
“In the case of the Russian launch, it was an advertised launch, and so information about the number of payloads and the launch location and intended orbit were published,” said Major Jason Bullock, the 12th SWS’ operations officer, in a 2019 interview.
The base’s position on the globe provides its radar systems with 240 degrees of coverage, which makes it an ideal location to track ballistic missiles and satellites in low-earth orbit. On any given day, the base tracks hundreds of satellites, including dozens of “high interest objects” that are intently observed due to country of origin, payload or mission, Bullock explained.
