Donald Trump Jr. is set to visit Greenland, just weeks after his father reiterated his belief that the United States should take control of the self-governing Danish territory.
According to U.S. media reports, the president-elect's eldest son plans a private, one-day trip to record video content for a podcast.
The visit follows Donald Trump’s controversial statement in December, where he asserted that "ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity" for U.S. national security.
Trump has long shown interest in acquiring Greenland, dating back to his first term as president. However, the idea was firmly rejected by Greenland's leadership.
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"We are not for sale, and we will not be for sale," Prime Minister Mute Egede declared in December. "Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland."
President-elect Trump confirmed his son's planned trip on Monday via his Truth Social platform. He stated that Donald Jr. and other "representatives" would explore Greenland’s "magnificent areas and sights," adding that Greenland and its people would "benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our nation."
"We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside world," Trump said, concluding with his slogan, "Make Greenland great again!"
His post included a video of a man wearing a red "Make America Great Again" hat, urging Trump to purchase Greenland and "free it" from Danish colonial rule. The individual’s identity remains unknown.
Greenland holds strategic significance due to its location along the shortest route between North America and Europe, as well as its role as home to a major U.S. space facility. Despite this, the Danish Foreign Ministry clarified that Donald Trump Jr.'s visit would not be an official U.S. delegation trip. "As it is not an official American visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark has no further comment," the ministry told BBC News.
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Meanwhile, Denmark announced a significant increase in defense spending for Greenland shortly after Trump’s remarks. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen called the timing an "irony of fate." Additionally, Denmark’s King Frederik X updated the royal coat of arms to highlight Greenland and the Faroe Islands more prominently, a move seen by some as a response to Trump’s statements.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede used his New Year’s speech to advocate for the island's independence, declaring the need to "break free from the shackles of colonialism." In contrast, King Frederik emphasized the unity of the Danish Kingdom, stating, "We belong together."
This is not the first time a U.S. president has shown interest in acquiring Greenland. The idea dates back to President Andrew Johnson in the 1860s.
In another recent development, Trump has suggested reasserting U.S. control over the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of overcharging for its use. The Panamanian president responded firmly, stating that "every square meter" of the canal belongs to Panama.