NUUK, Greenland – U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has sparked fresh speculation about his administration’s interest in acquiring Greenland, as his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., visited the resource-rich Danish territory. Trump reassured Greenland’s residents in a statement, saying, “We’re going to treat you well.”
In a subsequent news conference, Trump refused to rule out using military force or economic pressure to gain control of the Arctic territory, which is strategically significant due to its proximity to global powers such as Russia and China. “We need it for national security,” he stated.
Earlier, Trump shared a video of a TRUMP-branded plane landing in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and icy fjords. “Don Jr. and my representatives are landing in Greenland,” Trump wrote on social media. “The reception has been great. They, and the Free World, need safety, security, strength, and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen. MAGA. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”
However, Greenland’s government clarified that Trump Jr. was visiting in a private capacity and that no official meetings were planned. According to Mininguaq Kleist, permanent secretary of Greenland’s Ministry of Statehood and Foreign Affairs, Trump Jr.’s stay was brief, lasting just four to five hours, and focused on creating content for his podcast.
Despite the informal nature of the visit, it carried political implications. During his first presidency, Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a move he revived in a recent statement, citing its importance to U.S. national security.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is largely covered by ice and has a population of about 56,000, primarily Indigenous Inuit people. Though part of Denmark, it has self-rule and controls most domestic affairs. Copenhagen oversees its foreign and defense policies, including the presence of a key U.S. military base.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and emphasized Denmark’s alliance with the United States. “The future of Greenland will be decided by Greenland,” Frederiksen said.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede has called for independence from Denmark, citing a desire to move past colonial ties. However, he has firmly rejected the idea of Greenland becoming part of the United States.
As independence becomes a pressing issue ahead of Greenland’s parliamentary elections, the U.S.’s renewed interest adds complexity to the political landscape. A formal vote for independence could lead to debates about Greenland’s future alliances and resources.
The U.S. has a longstanding interest in Greenland, with efforts to purchase it dating back to the 19th century. Trump’s previous attempt in 2019 was met with Danish rejection, leading him to cancel a state visit to Denmark.
Recently, Denmark’s King Frederik X symbolically included Greenland in the kingdom’s coat of arms, emphasizing unity within the Danish realm. Yet, the rising political and strategic significance of Greenland continues to attract international attention, setting the stage for possible future disputes.
