Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry defended his controversial visit to Greenland this week after facing tough questions from journalists and a mixed reception from some locals in the Arctic territory.
Landry traveled to Greenland as President Donald Trump’s special envoy amid continued interest from the Trump administration in the semi-autonomous Danish territory for its strategic military position and natural resources.
The governor initially appeared upbeat while speaking with reporters after arriving in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.
“Oh, I love it. It’s great,” Landry said when asked about his impression of Greenland.
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When another journalist asked whether he had a message from Trump, Landry replied: “Actually, I do. I talked to him late last night. He said, ‘Go over there and make a bunch of friends.’”
But Landry later grew more combative with reporters following a visit to a trade fair in Nuuk, arguing that Greenland had largely been ignored by world leaders before Trump took office.
“Let me ask y’all something: when’s the last time that any high-level diplomats came to Greenland — whether it’s from Europe or not — before Donald Trump?” Landry said. “That’s a question Greenlanders should ask themselves.”
Landry also pushed back when reporters questioned whether his presence in Greenland was welcomed. The governor traveled to the territory without an official invitation.
“If you showed up in Louisiana, am I going to throw you out because you weren’t invited?” Landry said. “This conference is open to the public … the reception has been great.”
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen later met Landry during his visit and described the talks as “constructive,” while also reaffirming Greenland’s opposition to outside control.
“We clearly reiterated that the people of Greenland are not for sale and that Greenlanders have the right to self-determination,” Nielsen said during a news conference. “This is not a subject for negotiation.”
Trump administration officials have increasingly emphasized Greenland’s importance because of its Arctic location, military significance, emerging shipping routes, and mineral resources.
During an appearance on Fox News, Landry defended the administration’s interest in the territory.
“If you live on the East Coast, remember that Greenland is halfway between Russia and Washington, D.C.,” Landry said. “You never appreciate keeping the wolf or the bear from your front door until they’re knocking on it.”
Still, Landry’s visit drew criticism online and from some international media outlets, with critics characterizing the trip as diplomatically awkward.
One moment captured on video showed Landry and First Lady Sharon Landry attempting to interact with a child in Greenland.
Despite the criticism, Landry later posted on social media, thanking Greenland residents for what he called a “warm welcome.”
“Thank you for the warm welcome, and I will continue to deepen ties between our people,” Landry wrote.
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