President Donald Trump has named Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland. The selection of a sitting state governor for a federal diplomatic role is unusual.
Trump announced the appointment Sunday night at Truth Social. He emphasized Greenland's critical role in US national security. “Jeff understands how important Greenland is to our national security and will aggressively advance our country's interests for the safety, security and survival of our allies and the world,” Trump wrote in his post.
It remains unknown whether Landry will step down from his governorship or try to balance both roles simultaneously. Neither the White House nor Landry's office provided clarity Sunday evening on the practical implementation of the two positions.
An unusual choice for a sitting governor
The appointment of a sitting state governor to a federal diplomatic post is unusual in American politics. Governors typically either complete their terms before accepting federal appointments or leave their state positions to take on new roles.
Landry, 53, became Louisiana governor in January 2024 after previously serving as the state's attorney general. He won the election with 52% of the vote in a crowded field, avoiding a runoff. A former Republican congressman and military veteran, Landry is a conservative populist focused on crime reduction, economic development and traditional values.
If Landry steps down as governor, Louisiana Gov. Billy Nungesser will assume the governorship for the remainder of his term. The Louisiana Constitution provides a clear line of succession. Landry's office would not say whether such a move was being considered. However, the “special envoy” role involves one trip or mission that would likely not require Landry to resign and raise a succession issue.
Trump's constant focus on Greenland
The appointment of a special envoy is the latest move by Trump in his sustained interest in expanding American influence in Greenland. During his first term, Trump proposed that the United States buy the island outright—an offer that Denmark and Greenland quickly rejected.
Earlier in 2025, Vice President J.D. Vance visited a remote US military base on the island and publicly criticized Denmark for not investing enough in Greenland's defense infrastructure. Meetings with American officials were held in Greenland two weeks ago as part of regular diplomatic engagement between the United States, Denmark and Greenland on Arctic security issues.
Trump has repeatedly said that acquiring or expanding U.S. control over Greenland is important to national security. He did not specify what the increased American presence would entail. The creation of a special envoy position focused specifically on Greenland shows the administration wants a diplomatic approach to strengthening the U.S. position there.
Arctic competition intensifies
The United States faces growing competition from China and Russia for influence in the Arctic region. Climate change has accelerated the melting of ice in the area. This opened up new sea routes and made previously inaccessible natural resources accessible.
Greenland has significant reserves of rare earth minerals needed for modern technology and military applications, including zinc, iron, copper, nickel, cobalt, uranium and various elements critical to electronics manufacturing. China currently dominates the global rare earth minerals market. Greenland's untapped deposits have become more valuable from a national security perspective.
US officials have expressed concern about China's efforts to invest in Greenland's infrastructure. In 2019, the Chinese company actively entered into contracts for airport expansion projects. The United States successfully worked with Denmark to support an alternative Danish proposal, which was eventually accepted by the Greenlandic government.
