Donald Trump Jr. is set to visit Greenland following his father’s recent reiteration of interest in the United States acquiring the autonomous Danish territory.
Reports from US media indicate that the president-elect’s son intends to capture video footage for a podcast during his one-day private visit.
In December, Donald Trump sparked renewed debate by asserting that “ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity” for the United States’ national security.
During his initial term as president, he showed keen interest in acquiring the Arctic island. On both occasions, leaders from Greenland rejected Trump’s overtures.
“We are not for sale and we will not be for sale,” declared the island’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, in a statement made in December. “Greenland is the rightful territory of its inhabitants.”
On Monday, the President-elect took to his Truth Social platform to confirm his son’s upcoming trip.
He stated that Don Jr. and “various representatives” would go to Greenland “to explore some of the most magnificent areas and sights.”
Trump stated that Greenland and its inhabitants “will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our nation.”
“We will safeguard it and hold it dear against a harsh external environment,” he stated. “Revitalise Greenland!”
The president-elect’s recent post showcased a video featuring an unidentified Greenlander, adorned in a red Make America Great Again hat, urging Trump to purchase Greenland and liberate it from what they described as “colonisation” by Denmark.
The identity of the individual featured in the clip remains uncertain.
Greenland is pivotal on the most direct path connecting North America and Europe, underscoring its strategic significance for the United States. The area hosts a significant American space facility.
The president-elect’s eldest son emerged as a significant figure throughout the 2024 US election campaign, making regular appearances at rallies and engaging with the media.
According to the Danish foreign ministry, he will not travel to Greenland for his father’s incoming administration.
Reports indicate that Donald Trump Jr. is scheduled to visit Greenland. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark told BBC News, “As it is not an official American visit, we have no further comment on the matter.”
In a significant development following President-elect Trump’s recent remarks, the Danish government has revealed plans to increase defense spending in Greenland substantially. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen characterized the announcement’s timing as an “irony of fate.”
On Monday, King Frederik X of Denmark announced a significant alteration to the royal coat of arms, enhancing the visibility of symbols representing Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Some have interpreted the situation as a criticism of Trump; however, it may also stir controversy within Greenland’s separatist movement.
In his New Year’s address, King Frederik emphasized the unity of the Kingdom of Denmark, stating that it extends “all the way to Greenland” and affirming that “we belong together.”
In a bold move, Greenland’s prime minister utilized his New Year’s address to advocate for the island’s independence from Denmark, asserting that it is time to liberate itself from “the shackles of colonialism.”
Historically, the notion of acquiring Greenland has been proposed by previous US presidents, not just Trump. The concept was initially proposed by Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, in the 1860s.
In recent weeks, Trump has threatened to reassert control over the Panama Canal, a critical artery in global trade. He has leveled accusations against Panama, claiming that the country imposes exorbitant fees for access to its services.
In a firm statement, Panama’s president asserted that “every square metre” of the canal and its adjacent territory is the rightful property of his nation.
