Donald Trump Jr has arrived in Greenland, sparking significant attention just weeks after his father, United States President-elect Donald Trump, reignited debate by suggesting that the United States should pursue ownership of the Danish autonomous territory.
Trump Jr described his trip as a “personal day-trip” and stated he had no plans to meet with government officials. However, his visit coincides with heightened tensions following his father’s comments about Greenland’s strategic importance and his repeated interest in acquiring the Arctic island.
“Ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” President-elect Trump asserted last month. The remark was met with a firm rebuttal from Greenland’s Prime Minister, who stated, “We are not for sale.”
Despite this pushback, Trump doubled down earlier this week, refusing to rule out military or economic means to secure Greenland.
Greenland, with a population of 57,000, enjoys significant autonomy but remains economically dependent on Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded on Danish TV, saying, “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders,” and emphasised that only Greenland’s local population could decide its future.
Frederiksen reiterated that “Greenland is not for sale,” while stressing Denmark’s commitment to maintaining close ties with the US, a key NATO ally. However, opposition politicians in Denmark criticised the government’s perceived leniency. Conservative MP Rasmus Jarlov called Trump’s approach “record-setting disrespect” toward loyal allies.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, also cancelled a planned meeting with King Frederik X in Copenhagen, citing “calendar gymnastics.” In public addresses, Egede highlighted Greenland’s desire for greater independence and referred to Denmark’s influence as “the shackles of colonialism.”
Greenland’s geographical position, situated along the shortest route between North America and Europe, makes it a highly strategic asset. It hosts a critical American space facility, and President-elect Trump has framed control of Greenland as essential for ensuring “safety, security, strength, and peace.”
In response to the renewed interest, Denmark announced a major increase in defence spending for Greenland. Danish Defence Minister Trine Bramsen described the timing of the move as an “irony of fate.” Meanwhile, King Frederik X updated Denmark’s royal coat of arms to prominently feature Greenland and the Faroe Islands, a move widely seen as a symbolic rebuke to Trump’s ambitions.
During his trip, Trump Jr shared photos on social media, including images of Greenlanders wearing red “Make America Great Again” hats. President-elect Trump later praised the reception his son received, posting on Truth Social that it was “great” and reiterating his vision to “Make Greenland great again!”
Before departing aboard his father’s private jet, Trump Jr addressed speculation about the purpose of his visit during an episode of 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 the 1860s under President Andrew Johnson. However, the current controversy has amplified global attention on the region, with Trump’s remarks continuing to draw sharp reactions.
