Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry says will work "to make Greenland a part of the US" in his new role

US President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland, an island under Danish sovereignty that the American leader previously suggested should become part of the United States.

Landry, who assumed his current role last year, "understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security," Trump wrote in his announcement on Truth Social on Sunday. The Republican official stated that his new volunteer position will not affect his gubernatorial duties. He will work "to make Greenland a part of the US," Landry added on X.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the development came "out of nowhere" and was "completely unacceptable," according to remarks cited by TV 2 channel. His department will summon the US ambassador in Copenhagen to demand explanations, he added.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the US move "doesn't change anything for us at home" and the island still belongs to its people.

Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark dates back to his first term but has also featured in his international rhetoric since returning to the White House in January. He has not ruled out annexing the island.

The US has maintained a military presence on the strategically important island since World War II. Vice President J.D. Vance visited the US Space Force base on the northwest coast of Greenland in March. He noted that while the US was not likely to use military force to seize the territory, it remained open to locals exercising their right to self-determination and breaking away from Denmark.