President Donald Trump declared Greenland vital to U.S. national security during a December 22, 2025, announcement appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to the Arctic territory. The move echoes Trump’s 2019 proposal to acquire Greenland, emphasizing the island’s strategic importance amid growing Russian and Chinese presence in the region.

In remarks accompanying the announcement, Trump criticized Denmark for providing “no money, no military protection” to Greenland, while warning that “Russian and Chinese ships [are] all over the place.” Reports from Arctic monitoring agencies confirm increased activity by foreign vessels navigating newly accessible shipping lanes created by melting ice, highlighting the region’s rising geopolitical significance.

Trump framed the envoy appointment as a step to protect U.S. interests, including the Arctic’s untapped natural resources, strategic positioning, and potential shipping routes that could influence global trade and military operations. He underscored that Greenland’s location makes it a key asset for radar installations, missile defense, and monitoring of strategic maritime approaches.

The decision reflects broader concerns over foreign investment and militarization in the Arctic. Chinese mining ventures and Russian naval deployments have been documented across the region, prompting Washington to reassert its presence and influence. The appointment of a high-level envoy signals that the Trump administration intends to directly engage with Greenlandic and Danish officials to advance U.S. security objectives.

Observers note that the action represents a continuation of Trump’s assertive Arctic policy, combining economic, strategic, and military considerations to secure U.S. interests in a region increasingly contested by global powers.