US special envoy Jeff Landry has declared that it is time for Washington to reestablish its presence in Greenland, as he concluded his inaugural visit to the Arctic island following his appointment in December 2025. The visit has stirred significant controversy, with Greenland's Prime Minister stating that there is no indication the US position has shifted.
Strategic Importance of Greenland
President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized the need for the United States to control Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, citing national security concerns. He has warned that if the US does not act, the island could fall under the influence of China or Russia. Greenland lies along the shortest missile route between Russia and the US, is believed to hold untapped rare-earth minerals, and may become increasingly valuable as polar ice melts and new shipping lanes emerge.
US Military Presence
During the Cold War, the US operated 17 military facilities in Greenland, but has since reduced its footprint to a single base, Pituffik, located in the northern part of the island. According to recent media reports, the US now aims to open three new bases in the southern region. A 1951 defence pact, updated in 2004, already permits the US to increase troop deployments and military installations on the island, provided it notifies Denmark and Greenland in advance.
Political Reactions
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen commented on the situation, stating that while the US desire to secure control of Greenland is disrespectful, a solution must be found. Landry, who is also the Republican governor of Louisiana, arrived in Nuuk on Sunday without an official invitation, sparking debate. He met with Nielsen and Foreign Minister Mute Egede on Monday, with Nielsen describing the talks as constructive but noting no change in the US stance.
Independence Aspirations
In an interview with the Greenlandic daily Sermitsiaq, Landry fueled discussions about Greenland's independence. While polls indicate that a majority of Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, the government has no immediate plans due to economic dependencies on Denmark. Landry suggested that opportunities exist to lift Greenlanders from dependency to independence, adding that President Trump would like to see the country become economically independent.
Controversy Over Medical Assessment
Adding to the controversy, Landry was accompanied by a US doctor who claimed to assess medical needs in Greenland. This follows Denmark and Greenland's rejection in February of a US offer to send a naval hospital ship. Greenland's Health Minister, Anna Wangenheim, criticized the doctor's presence, stating that Greenlanders are not guinea pigs in a geopolitical project.
