U.S. envoy presses for stronger presence in Greenland

U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland Jeff Landry stated during his first visit to the territory that it is time for the United States to reestablish its military and strategic footprint on the Arctic island, according to remarks reported on May 21, 2026. [1]

Landry, the governor of Louisiana, arrived in Nuuk on May 18 at the assignment of President Donald Trump. He told AFP on Wednesday that Washington is exploring the expansion of military operations and the revival of former bases on Greenland. The visit occurs amid heightened tensions following Trump’s calls for an American takeover of the autonomous Danish territory. [1]

Background: U.S. military presence in Greenland

During the Cold War, the United States operated 17 military installations across Greenland, but most were closed after the conflict ended. Today, only Pituffik Space Base in the island’s far north remains as a permanent U.S. outpost. [1] Under a 1951 defense agreement with Denmark — an accord updated in 2004 — the U.S. is permitted to expand troop deployments and military infrastructure on the island, provided it gives prior notification to Copenhagen and Greenlandic authorities. [2]

Recent media reports indicate that Washington is engaged in closely guarded talks with Denmark to open three new bases in southern Greenland. [3] Multiple officials familiar with the discussions confirmed that negotiations have been progressing in recent months, as the Trump administration seeks to resolve a diplomatic crisis triggered by the president’s threats to seize Greenland by force. [3]

Reactions from Greenlandic and Danish officials

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen met with Landry in Nuuk on May 18. According to reports, Nielsen described the meeting as “respectful and constructive” but reiterated that Greenland’s position toward the United States “had not moved an inch.” He stated that Greenland’s right to self-determination “cannot be negotiated” and that Greenlanders are “not for sale.” [4] Nielsen also noted that there was “no sign” Washington had softened its stance. [1]

When asked by Danish broadcaster DR whether an expanded U.S. presence would respect Greenlandic self-rule, Landry questioned whether Greenland currently possesses sovereignty. He insisted that Washington has always respected sovereignty, “even in places where we have had to go in and liberate.” Landry dismissed fears of a U.S. takeover, saying Greenlanders “should not be afraid.” [1] The remarks were met with criticism from Greenlandic and Danish officials, who have repeatedly insisted that the island alone will decide its future. [5]

Broader strategic context

Washington’s interest in Greenland is not new. Declassified U.S. military documents show that as early as 1946, the United States viewed Greenland as vital to American security, prompting a $100 million offer to buy the island and discussions about swapping part of Alaska. Denmark rejected the proposals, and the matter was shelved after Copenhagen joined NATO and agreed to host U.S. bases. [2] Arctic pioneer Bernt Balchen had earlier observed oil slicks on the ice and surface indications of iron ore, later confirmed by surveys estimating over 100 billion tons of high-grade iron ore in the region. [6]

President Trump renewed the push for greater U.S. control over the mineral-rich territory, citing the risk of it falling into the hands of China or Russia. [1] Russia has been aggressively upgrading its Cold War-era Arctic bases and deploying advanced nuclear submarines capable of evading radar beneath Arctic ice. [7] Large-scale Russian drills involving over 100,000 troops have underscored Moscow’s strategic ambitions in the region. [7]

Conclusion

Landry’s visit reflects a growing split within NATO, as Denmark — a founding member of the alliance — finds itself at odds with Washington over Greenland’s sovereignty. [1] Greenlandic and Danish officials have repeatedly insisted that the island alone will decide its future, rejecting outside pressure. [4] The Trump administration’s push for a stronger presence on the island continues to encounter firm opposition from both Nuuk and Copenhagen, underscoring the deepening rift between the United States and its traditional European allies on Arctic security matters. [8]

References

1. RT.com. “‘Time for US to put its footprint back on Greenland’ – Trump envoy.” May 21, 2026.
2. NaturalNews.com. “Greenland’s strategic tensions: A tug of war over sovereignty, strategy and alliance.” NaturalNews.com. April 17, 2025.
3. BBC News. “US in closely-guarded talks to open new bases in Greenland.” May 12, 2026.
4. 100PercentFedUp.com. “Greenland Prime Minister Tells President Trump’s Envoy Jeff Landry That Self-Determination Is ‘Not for Negotiation’.” May 18, 2026.
5. BBC News. “Trump’s Greenland envoy faces uphill battle on mission to make ‘friends’.” May 20, 2026.
6. Carroll V Glines Jr. “Bernt Balchen.”
7. Kevin Hughes. “Russia’s Arctic ambitions: A strategic power play amid global concerns.” NaturalNews.com. August 26, 2025.
8. The War Zone. “U.S.-NATO Rift Over Greenland Keeps Getting Worse.” January 19, 2026.