US special envoy for Greenland arrives in Nuuk without official invitation
A US official appointed by former president Donald Trump as a “special envoy to Greenland” is arriving in Nuuk on Tuesday, Danish broadcaster DR reports. Jeff Landry, who also serves as governor of Louisiana, registered as a participant in the Future Greenland business conference but was not formally invited by Greenlandic authorities.
Landry was named to the unpaid position earlier this year by Trump, declaring on social media at the time that his role was to “make Greenland part of the USA.” His visit follows months of unease in Greenland after a self-proclaimed American activist offered locals cash in exchange for support for US annexation—a stunt that sparked public concern over potential official US involvement.
Greenland’s foreign affairs minister, Múte B. Egede, confirmed the government is monitoring the visit closely. “Of course there are procedures when official guests arrive,” Egede told DR, though he stressed Landry is not an official guest. The US ambassador to Denmark, Ken Howery, will lead the delegation, with Landry joining as part of his team.
Conference organizer Christian Keldsen of Greenland Business called the situation “unusual,” noting public anxiety had been high just months ago. “Three months back, people were genuinely afraid of an invasion,” he said. “Now they’re arriving without any clear shift in their stated intentions for Greenland.”
Keldsen expressed hope for constructive dialogue but questioned Landry’s understanding of Greenland, citing the envoy’s recent social media activity. Landry has shared Trump’s posts mocking NATO allies and referring to Greenland as a “poorly managed piece of ice,” alongside his own cryptic remark: “President Trump is right. We don’t need NATO for greener lawns.”
Greenlandic officials have not ruled out meetings but emphasized the need to clarify the delegation’s agenda. The visit comes amid lingering tensions after an American activist’s unsanctioned cash-for-support scheme in Nuuk last week reignited debates over US interest in the autonomous Danish territory.