Jeff Landry says US will have 'unfettered' access as he shares glimpse of Greenland framework deal

Landry says Trump’s Greenland framework will crowd out Chinese and Russian influence from the Arctic
Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the US Special envoy to Greenland (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the US Special envoy to Greenland (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Louisiana Governor and US Special Envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, has said that President Donald Trump's Greenland Framework deal will give the US "total, unfettered access" to the island to protect it from a "very vicious outside world."

In a New York Times op-ed, Landry shared a glimpse of the agreement, explaining that while specific details are still being worked out, the goal is to secure American dominance in the Arctic "in perpetuity."

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 04: Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry looks on prior to the game between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry looks on prior to the game between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia (Kevin C Cox/Getty Images)

Jeff Landry outlines Framework deal for Arctic 

Landry revealed that the new framework deal “builds on the 1941 and 1951 defense agreements between the US and Denmark" and would enhance the security of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), US and Greenland.

He claimed that it would also reaffirm longstanding trans-Atlantic defense obligations.

The governor also mentioned that the deal is designed to "expand America’s operational freedom, support new bases and infrastructure, facilitate deployment of advanced missile-defense systems like the Golden Dome and crowd out hostile Chinese and Russian influence."

The Louisiana politician further insisted these “measures are not provocative — they are preventive. They would ensure that the United States, not its adversaries, sets the rules in one of the world’s most strategically consequential regions in perpetuity.”

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 24: U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry alongside Hyundai Chairman Euisun Chung during an investment announcement in the Roosevelt Room of the White House March 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. During the event, it was announced that Hyundai will invest $20 billion in U.S. manufacturing, including a $5 billion investment in a Louisiana steel factory that will produce 1,500 jobs. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry alongside Hyundai Chairman Euisun Chung during an investment announcement in the Roosevelt Room of the White House March 24, 2025 in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Landry also highlights reasserting the Monroe Doctrine

The governor argues that Greenland is central to a modernized Monroe Doctrine, placing it alongside other vital interests like the Panama Canal. 

He warns that while the US previously let its Arctic readiness "erode," adversaries like Russia and China have been "aggressively seeking to exploit" Arctic shipping routes. 

Landry claims that "no nation, or group of nations, is capable of securing Greenland without the United States." 

By establishing what Trump calls "the greatest Golden Dome ever built," the administration intends to prove that "American dominance in the Arctic is non-negotiable."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) and U.S. President Donald Trump (R) look on as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a meeting of the Cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House on January 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Trump is holding the meeting as the Senate plans to hold a vote on a spending package to avoid another government shutdown, however Democrats are holding out for a deal to consider funding for the Department of Homeland Security. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump look on as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr speaks during a meeting of the Cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House on January 29, 2026 in Washington, DC ( Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Landry cites the history of American sacrifice

Landry also used the history of American sacrifice in Greenland to justify this mission. 

He recalled the 1943 sinking of the transport ship Dorchester, where 900 people were sailing to protect the island from "Nazi occupation and tyranny." 

During the tragedy, the famous "Four Chaplains: George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, John P. Washington and Clark V. Poling," gave up their own life jackets to save others as the ship sank into the icy North Atlantic. 

Landry noted that this "solemn reminder" proves that “Greenland is not some abstract geopolitical concept debated in think tanks and conference halls. It is a real place — and one Americans have defended with their blood.”

RELATED TOPICS US GREENLAND RELATIONS AND ARCTIC SECURITY

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Officials challenging the changes argued that states and localities primarily run elections, while existing laws already covered voter rolls
50 minutes ago
White House officials will rotate through briefings while Chief of Staff Susie Wiles continues the search for Karoline Leavitt's successor
1 hour ago
The court backed four Democrats challenging FCC rules that let parties access candidates’ discounted 'lowest unit charge' TV ad rates
9 hours ago
The watchdog said the incident undermined public trust in FEMA’s ability to provide impartial disaster assistance
9 hours ago
The watchdog cited Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement of Lindsey Boylan, whom he praised for her 'bravery' in speaking out against Andrew Cuomo
11 hours ago
Ralph Alvarado’s campaign manager Andy Westberry downplayed the website changes, saying it still highlights Donald Trump’s endorsement and photo
11 hours ago
The Kennedy Center cut costs by one-third, but its deficit remained $23 million as ticket sales plunged after Donald Trump’s name was added
12 hours ago
Sources described the damage as greater than any previously suffered by US intelligence agencies
12 hours ago
Donald Trump’s renaming threat came after trade talks collapsed and the US imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion in Canadian goods
13 hours ago
Sen Joni Ernst said Pete Hegseth had assured her Randy George would finish his term before Trump addressed the controversial removal
13 hours ago