Trump Jr visits Greenland after father called for US to own Danish territory

Donald Trump Jr, the son of U.S President-elect, Donald Trump, has arrived in Greenland, only a few weeks after his father asserted that the U.S should pursue ownership of the Danish autonomous territory.

Trump Jr had said he has plans to meet with government officials on the trip he described as personal.

However, his visit has drawn significant attention, particularly given his father’s recent remarks about Greenland’s strategic importance and his continued interest in acquiring the Arctic island.

“Ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” Trump said last month, a comment met with a firm rebuttal from Greenland’s Prime Minister, who stated, “We are not for sale.”

Despite the pushback, Trump doubled down this week, refusing to rule out the use of military or economic force to achieve his goal.

Greenland has a population of 57,000 people and enjoys extensive autonomy but remains economically dependent on Denmark.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated on Danish TV that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders” and stressed that only its local population could determine its future.

Frederiksen maintained that “Greenland is not for sale” while emphasising Denmark’s need for close cooperation with the U.S, a key NATO ally.

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Opposition politicians in Denmark, however, expressed frustration at the perceived lack of a stronger response. Conservative MP Rasmus Jarlov called Trump’s approach “record-setting disrespect” toward loyal allies.

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, cancelled a planned meeting with King Frederik X in Copenhagen, citing “calendar gymnastics.”

However, Egede has also used recent public addresses to underscore Greenland’s desire for greater independence, referring to Denmark’s influence as “the shackles of colonialism.”

Greenland’s geographical location, lying on the shortest route between North America and Europe, makes it highly strategic for the US. It is also home to a significant American space facility, and President-elect Trump has framed control of Greenland as vital for ensuring “safety, security, strength, and peace.”

Denmark recently announced a significant boost in defence spending for Greenland, with its defence minister describing the timing as an “irony of fate.”

Meanwhile, King Frederik X revised Denmark’s royal coat of arms to more prominently feature Greenland and the Faroe Islands, a move some view as a rebuke to Trump.

During his trip, Trump Jr shared photos on social media, including images of himself with Greenlanders wearing red “Make America Great Again” hats. In a post on Truth Social, President-elect Trump said the reception for his son was “great” and reiterated his vision to “Make Greenland great again!”

Before departing Greenland aboard his father’s private jet, Trump Jr addressed speculation about his visit on his podcast Triggered: “No, I am not buying Greenland,” though he added that he loved the island.

The idea of the US acquiring Greenland is not new. It dates back to President Andrew Johnson in the 1860s.

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