The United States’ special envoy for Greenland, an Arctic island considered strategically important by President Donald Trump, told AFP on Wednesday that Washington should renew its presence in the Danish autonomous territory.
During the Cold War, the US had 17 military facilities in Greenland, but closed them down over the years. Today they have only one base – Pituffik, in the north of the island.
Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States must have control over Greenland for national security reasons, saying that otherwise the island could fall under the influence of China or Russia.
Greenland is located on the shortest missile route between Russia and the US. It is thought to hold untapped reserves of rare earth minerals and could play a key role as the polar ice melts and new sea routes open up.
– I think it is time for the US to re-establish its presence in Greenland – US envoy Jeff Landry told AFP during his first visit to the island since being appointed in December 2025.
– You see that the president is talking about strengthening security operations and reactivating certain bases in Greenland – he added.
According to the media, the United States wants to open three new bases in the south of the territory.
The 1951 defense treaty, updated in 2004, already allows Washington to increase its military presence and installations, with an obligation to notify Denmark and Greenland in advance.
In January, Trump dropped threats to take over Greenland, and a joint US, Danish and Greenland working group was subsequently formed to address Washington’s concerns.
– Even if the desire of the “master” to take control of Greenland is completely disrespectful… we are obliged to find a solution – said Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen at the economic forum.
US envoy Landry, who is also the governor of the federal US state of Louisiana, arrived in the capital city of Nuuk on Sunday.
He was not officially invited, and his arrival caused controversy on the island.
Landry met with Prime Minister Nielsen and Foreign Affairs Minister Mute Egede on Monday.
Nielsen said the talks were “constructive” but stressed that “there is no sign that the US position has changed.”
(Vijesti.ba)
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