Trump Jr.’s Greenland Trip Amidst Father’s Renewed Interest in U.S. Acquisition

Donald Trump Jr. is visiting Greenland, a Danish territory, amid his father’s repeated assertions about potential U.S. acquisition of the island.

Trump Jr.’s visit is a one-day trip to film podcast content; he will not be meeting with government officials or political figures, according to an anonymous source.

“I am hearing that the people of Greenland are ‘MAGA.’ My son, Don Jr, and various representatives, will be traveling there to visit some of the most magnificent areas and sights,” President-elect Trump posted on social media, referring to his “Make America Great Again” movement.

“Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation,” the President-elect wrote. “We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”

Danish broadcaster DR, citing Greenland’s Department of Foreign Affairs head Mininnguaq Kleist, reported Trump Jr.’s arrival for a private visit with no scheduled government meetings.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B. Egede has not yet commented. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Trump has previously expressed interest in Greenland. In a statement last month announcing his U.S. ambassador to Denmark nominee, he stated, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”

Trump Jr. is a prominent figure in his father’s political movement, serving on his presidential transition team.

However, Trump Jr. has stated he won’t join the administration, preferring to remain a key external supporter. He maintains a significant online presence, frequently sharing memes and hosting his podcast, “Triggered With Don Jr.”

Greenland media initially reported a possible meeting between Trump Jr. and Erik Jensen, chairman of the governing party Siumut, but the source familiar with the plans denies this.

Also on Monday, Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO and a close Trump advisor, tweeted, “The People of Greenland should decide their future and I think they want to be part of America!”

During his previous term, Trump considered purchasing Greenland, prompting the cancellation of a planned trip to Denmark in 2019 after its prime minister rejected the idea.

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is situated between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, 80% covered by an ice sheet, and houses a major U.S. military base.

Responding to Trump’s December statement, Egede declared, “Greenland is ours.”

“We are not for sale and will never be for sale,” he stated. “We must not lose our years-long fight for freedom.”

Greenland has its own parliament and government, led by Egede. New elections are scheduled for no later than April 6th.

Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic parliament member, wrote that Greenlanders need to more effectively reject the President-elect’s proposals, stating that believing happiness lies in American citizenship is naive and that she opposes Greenland becoming part of Trump’s “empire.”

“Don’t let Trump control the Greenland election campaign and leave the population as losers in that game,” Chemnitz wrote.

—Price reported from New York. Associated Press writer David Keyton contributed to this report from Berlin.