On December 21, President Donald Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the special envoy to Greenland. According to a post from Trump on Truth Social, the Republican governor "understands how essential Greenland is to our national security, and will strongly advance our country’s interests for the safety, security, and survival of our allies, and indeed, the world."
Landry is a fierce supporter of President Trump, and has governed the Republican stronghold state since January 2024. It is still unclear whether this new role will be compatible with his gubernatorial duties.
Trump's interest in Greenland began during his first term but grew significantly during his second. He even considered the possibility of using military force to acquire the territory, viewing it as crucial to national security. His interest is also likely tied to the valuable resources beneath Greenland's soil.
Indeed, as the race to find new sources of critical minerals intensifies, world leaders are turning their attention to a previously untapped resource: the ground beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet. Experts believe that beneath the vast expanses of ice covering 80% of the island, there may be an abundance of valuable minerals that could become crucial in the years to come.
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