US envoy to Greenland stresses diplomacy but underlying agenda remains, says expert

US special envoy Jeff Landry arrived in Nuuk on Sunday, emphasising a diplomatic approach to Greenland relations—but experts warn President Donald Trump’s long-term ambitions for the territory remain unchanged.

Landry, who serves as both Louisiana governor and Trump’s special representative to Greenland, told Danish broadcaster DR that his visit focused on “building relationships, listening, and learning” ahead of a major business conference in Nuuk on Tuesday.

“I’m here simply to build relationships, listen, learn, and see if there are opportunities to develop the relationship between the US, Greenland, and Denmark,” Landry said. He denied any connection between his trip and Trump’s past statements about acquiring Greenland, instead describing a recent conversation with the president: “He said, ‘Go over there and make as many friends as possible.’”

Yet despite Landry’s conciliatory tone, Trump’s fundamental goal—integrating Greenland into the US—has not shifted, according to Ulrik Pram Gad, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies.

“Even when they say nice, friendly things, it feels like pressure because Trump’s underlying agenda hasn’t been abandoned,” Gad told DR. He noted that while Landry may be attempting a “fresh start” on Trump’s behalf, the president’s previous rhetoric—including a 2019 proposal to purchase Greenland—has already damaged perceptions of the US in the region.

“Trump has ruined America’s image as a friendly neighbour in Greenland,” Gad said. “This diplomatic push feels desperate and awkward, especially given the past year and a half of controversy.”

Landry’s appointment as special envoy has been marked by provocative statements. In February, he criticised Greenland’s premier, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, on social media for rejecting a US offer to send a hospital ship to the territory, writing: “Shame on you, Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen!” Earlier, upon his appointment, Landry declared on X (formerly Twitter) that he was “honoured to serve under Trump to make Greenland part of the USA.”

Gad cautioned that Landry’s current diplomatic tone should be viewed skeptically in light of these remarks. “It’s uncomfortable pressure—now we’re supposed to pretend we’re all good friends, even though everyone knows what’s happened,” he said.