A SURPRISE visit from Donald Trump’s special envoy to Greenland may give an indication of the president’s next steps in his intended expansion onto the island, experts have claimed.
It comes after reports of secret meetings happening over the last four months between the Trump administration and Greenland officials after the president renewed calls for the US to gain control of the island.
Despite relative quiet on the issue for months as the Iran war took the limelight, Trump sent special envoy Jeff Landry, the Louisiana governor, to Greenland for talks with local officials this week.
The trip, which left many scratching their heads, drew attention after Landry reportedly handed out cookies to locals and offered an unlimited supply if they ever visited Baton Rouge in a light-hearted diplomatic gesture.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has maintained a firm stance that the country is “not for sale,” while stressing that Greenland is open to deeper partnerships with the US and NATO, provided they are grounded in mutual respect.
In a joint statement with Greenland’s top politicians, he said, “We don’t want to be Americans, we don’t want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders.”
But America’s commander-in-chief said he was “going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not” on Friday.
His comments come as a report in the New York Times claims behind-the-scenes talks on Greenland have been underway for months, with negotiators from the United States, Greenland and Denmark.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, Jeff Crouere, host of the radio show Ringside Politics in New Orleans, said he believes Trump’s interest in Greenland is still driven by his plans for the broader Golden Dome defense system.
“I think he sees Greenland as being essential to have this Golden Dome constructed, and to have the kind of coverage that he wants for the United States,” he said.
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“It’s really the modern version of SDI, the Strategic Defense Initiative, which was a missile defense program launched by Ronald Reagan back in the 1980s to protect the United States from incoming missiles.
“The president is talking about a larger system. The Iron Dome is very famous in Israel and protects Israel from terrorist attacks.
“We’re talking about the Golden Dome, which would protect our entire country from rogue terror attacks and nuclear missile launches.
“Reagan had initially envisioned something like this back in the 1980s, but we really didn’t have the technology for it.
“I do think it is worthwhile, because it does protect us from a nuclear attack.
“There are chances that nuclear weapons could get into the hands of terrorist groups.”
Trump announced last year that $25billion has been allocated for the Golden Dome project, but it could cost around $175billion in total.
Crouere said Trump continues to sees threats from the Arctic, Russia and China, and believes acquiring Greenland is important.
“I think we would have an increased military presence there,” he went on.
“That’s why so many officials have gone over there, and now our governor.”
Crouere admitted it was a shock to see Landry fly to Greenland, where he bought his own ticket for an economic development conference after reportedly not being invited.
Although Nielsen said he met with Landry out of courtesy and he was respectful, he added, “Our position is clear. We have our red lines, and no matter how many ‘chocolate cookies’ we get, we will not change them.”
But Crouere doesn’t think Trump will change his mind.
“I think Trump forced a conversation that Washington and America’s allies had been avoiding,” he told The U.S. Sun.
“Love him or hate him, I think he does have a knack for seeing things in a longer-term fashion than most political leaders.
“I think he sees the future potential area of conflict and vulnerability for the United States, and that’s why he started focusing on Greenland — something that could really assist us in our security and prevent future threats from Russia and China.
“He knows what we’re dealing with.
“He’s met with Xi Jinping, he’s met with Vladimir Putin, and he believes in dialogue with these people.
“But I think he’s also clear-eyed about the threat they pose to the US.”
The New York Times report claimed the US is also pushing for decisive control over large-scale investment projects in Greenland, reportedly as a way to block involvement from countries like Russia and China.
Sources also told the outlet the Pentagon is accelerating preparations for a wider military build-up, including a recent inspection visit by a US Marine Corps officer to Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland.
The US already operates a military base in Greenland, but Trump has said full control would significantly expand capabilities in Arctic surveillance, missile defense and naval operations.
Political consultant Luke Coffey told The U.S. Sun, “Due to the existing legal frameworks that we have in place, the United States can do more in Greenland.
“We can have more troops there. We can have more bases.
“The Greenlanders would like this. Well, they would have liked it.
“Maybe, you know, before now. They’re probably kind of on the fence trying to figure everything out.
“And the Danes would quite happily go along with this as well.
“So there is a way that everyone can benefit.
“It doesn’t require or even lead to America acquiring Greenland, but it certainly could lead to America having a bigger role in security on that island. And I think that would be a positive thing.”
He agreed Greenland’s location is vital for the air defense early warning systems for the North American continent.
He said despite the push back, Trump’s demands have “reminded people of the importance of Greenland.”
Coffey added, “Undoubtedly, it’s important for the defense and security of the North Atlantic area.
“It’s vital for the homeland defense of the United States because of its location.
“And there is a potential that in the future it could have vast energy resources.
“And I say in the future, because existing technology and environmental circumstances right now don’t allow for the extraction of much of anything from Greenland, much less critical minerals or anything like that.”
Trump has made clear his interest in expanding the US, with Greenland and Venezuela both mentioned in recent discussions about possible future ’51st state’ status — including suggestions tied to Venezuela’s oil wealth and strategic importance.