United States needs to 'put its footprint back on Greenland,' says US envoy Landry
US special envoy Jeff Landry emphasized the need for the United States to re-establish its military presence in Greenland. Historically, the US had numerous military facilities in the region, but many have been closed over the years. Landry's visit has sparked controversy, as he aims to discuss potential new bases and address national security concerns regarding Greenland's strategic location.
- ▪Jeff Landry is the US special envoy to Greenland and visited the island on May 20, 2026.
- ▪The US currently has only one military base in Greenland, the Pituffik base, after closing many during the years.
- ▪Landry believes the US should increase its military footprint in Greenland to address national security concerns, especially regarding China and Russia.
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US special envoy to Greenland Jeff Landry visits Nuuk, Greenland, May 20, 2026. CHRISTIAN KLINDT SOELBECK / VIA REUTERS Jeff Landry, the US special envoy to Greenland – the Arctic island coveted by President Donald Trump – told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Wednesday, May 20, that Washington needs to rebuild its presence in the Danish autonomous territory. At the height of the Cold War, Washington 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. Trump has repeatedly argued that the US needs to control Greenland because of national security concerns, claiming that if the US does not control it, the island risks falling into the hands of China or Russia.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Le Monde (EN).
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