Trump envoy says it's time for US to put its footprint back on Greenland', during visit to arctic territory

The US special envoy to Greenland urged Washington to reassert its presence on the island after visiting since a December 2025 appointment. The US position links Greenland to national security, arguing that without US control the island could fall under China or Russia influence. Greenland is described as a key missile route between Russia and the US and as a potential source of rare-earth minerals as polar ice melts and shipping routes change. During the Cold War the US had 17 facilities in Greenland, but now maintains only the Pituffik base. The US seeks to open three additional bases in the south, supported by a defense pact that allows deployments with advance notice to Denmark and Greenland. Greenland’s prime minister said a solution is required despite disrespectful desires for control, and the envoy’s uninvited presence has sparked controversy.

"“I think it's time for the US to put its footprint back on Greenland, the US envoy Jeff Landry told Agence France-Presse, adding Greenland needs the US. I think that you're seeing the president talk about increasing national security operations and repopulating certain bases in Greenland, he said.”"

"“At the height of the cold war, the US had 17 military facilities in Greenland, but closed them over the years and currently has just one — the Pituffik base in the north of the island. The US wants to open three new bases in the south of the territory, according to recent media reports.”"

"“A 1951 defence pact, updated in 2004, already allows Washington to ramp up troop deployments and military installations on the island provided it informs Denmark and Greenland in advance. Trump backed down from threats to seize Greenland in January, and a US-Danish-Greenlandic working group was set up to address his concerns.”"

"“Even if a master's desire to secure control of Greenland — is completely disrespectful — we are obliged to find a solution, the Greenlandic prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, told reporters on the sidelines of a Greenland economic forum on Tuesday.”"

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