Trump's Envoy Fans Flames of Greenland Independence During Visit
Jeff Landry, the US Special Envoy for Greenland, encouraged Greenland's independence from Denmark in an interview during his visit to the capital, Nuuk. Landry stated that independence would create economic opportunities and align with the wishes of former President Trump, who has coveted the autonomous Danish territory. The unofficial visit has sparked controversy, with Greenland's Prime Minister calling the meeting a 'courtesy visit'. The event highlights ongoing US strategic interest in the Arctic region.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 23:54
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(CNA, Nuuk, Greenland, 20th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) The U.S. envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, is visiting Greenland's capital, Nuuk, where he fanned the flames of Greenland's independence dream in an interview published by the media today. The Arctic island is an autonomous territory of Denmark coveted by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Agence France-Presse reports that although polls show a majority of Greenlanders would prefer to one day become independent from Denmark, the government has no immediate plans to push for independence due to many unresolved issues, especially the island's high economic dependence on Denmark.
Jeff Landry, who also serves as the governor of Louisiana, told Greenland's Sermitsiaq newspaper, "I think there are some great opportunities to really move the people of Greenland from dependency to independence."
"I believe the President of the United States would like to see this country achieve economic independence. And I think that potential exists here."
Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that Washington must control Greenland for national security reasons. In January of this year, Trump withdrew his threat to seize the island, and the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland have established a working group to address his concerns.
Landry arrived in Nuuk on the 17th, but his visit to Greenland was not by official invitation, and his presence on the island has sparked controversy.
The next day, Landry met with Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who described it as a "courtesy visit" with no progress on major issues.
Greenland's Foreign Minister, Mute Egede, who also attended the talks, told the media afterward, "We have our red lines."
In his interview with Sermitsiaq, Landry responded, "Our line is only one, and that is the red, white, and blue line (the colors of the American flag)."
"The President is determined to ensure that the nations of the Western Hemisphere have the proper security measures and economic opportunities to create and strengthen their relationship with the United States."
"The question now is, do you want a more independent, more autonomous Greenland, with more opportunities for your children, with better healthcare?"
Landry also stated that he would report to Trump after his visit.
Greenlandic and Danish officials have repeatedly stressed that Greenland's future can only be decided by Greenland itself. (Translation: Yang Chao-yen)
Agence France-Presse reports that although polls show a majority of Greenlanders would prefer to one day become independent from Denmark, the government has no immediate plans to push for independence due to many unresolved issues, especially the island's high economic dependence on Denmark.
Jeff Landry, who also serves as the governor of Louisiana, told Greenland's Sermitsiaq newspaper, "I think there are some great opportunities to really move the people of Greenland from dependency to independence."
"I believe the President of the United States would like to see this country achieve economic independence. And I think that potential exists here."
Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that Washington must control Greenland for national security reasons. In January of this year, Trump withdrew his threat to seize the island, and the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland have established a working group to address his concerns.
Landry arrived in Nuuk on the 17th, but his visit to Greenland was not by official invitation, and his presence on the island has sparked controversy.
The next day, Landry met with Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who described it as a "courtesy visit" with no progress on major issues.
Greenland's Foreign Minister, Mute Egede, who also attended the talks, told the media afterward, "We have our red lines."
In his interview with Sermitsiaq, Landry responded, "Our line is only one, and that is the red, white, and blue line (the colors of the American flag)."
"The President is determined to ensure that the nations of the Western Hemisphere have the proper security measures and economic opportunities to create and strengthen their relationship with the United States."
"The question now is, do you want a more independent, more autonomous Greenland, with more opportunities for your children, with better healthcare?"
Landry also stated that he would report to Trump after his visit.
Greenlandic and Danish officials have repeatedly stressed that Greenland's future can only be decided by Greenland itself. (Translation: Yang Chao-yen)