Trump Jr. visits Greenland amid controversial push for US ownership of Island

Donald Trump Jr. has arrived in Greenland on Tuesday, fueling the ongoing controversy surrounding his father’s interest in acquiring the Arctic country.

The elder Trump, US President-elect, has repeatedly expressed his desire to bring Greenland under U.S. control, even suggesting a purchase from Denmark, a proposal firmly rejected by Copenhagen. The Danish government emphasized that Greenland is not for sale, belonging solely to its people.

Trump Jr.’s visit follows a press conference in Florida where his father reiterated his ambitions. Speaking just weeks before his second presidential inauguration, Donald Trump doubled down on his goal of acquiring Greenland for national security reasons. “We need Greenland for national security purposes. I’ve been told that for a long time, long before I even ran. People really don’t even know if Denmark has any legal right to it. But if they do, they should give it up because we need it for national security. That’s for the free world,” Trump said, referring to growing concerns over China and Russia’s military presence in the region.

In response to a reporter’s question about military and economic coercion, Trump added, “I can’t assure you. You’re talking about Panama and Greenland. No, I can’t assure you either of those two. But I can say this. We need them for economic security.”

Denmark’s rejection of the proposal remains firm, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterating on Tuesday that Greenland belongs to its people. While acknowledging the U.S. as Denmark’s closest ally in defense matters, she firmly upheld her country’s position. Trump has even threatened economic retaliation, saying he would “tariff Denmark at a very high level” if they do not cooperate.

Trump Jr.’s visit to Greenland has sparked speculation. Arriving in the capital Nuuk aboard his father’s private plane, he was met by journalists eager to understand his intentions. Some speculated that the younger Trump might be tasked with meeting officials or gathering intelligence for his father’s plans. However, Trump Jr. denied such claims, insisting his trip was purely personal. “We’re just here as tourists, seeing it, looks like an incredible place… just really excited to be here,” he said in response to the press.

Despite his brief visit, which was expected to last only a few hours, Trump Jr. was tight-lipped, quickly departing Nuuk airport. “We’re a little pressed for time because we only have a couple of hours of daylight so we’ve got to see everything,” he remarked, brushing off further questions. When asked if he had any messages from his father, Trump Jr. simply said, “He says hello… we were talking to him yesterday, so he says hello to everyone in Greenland.”

Greenland officials confirmed they were aware of the visit and took appropriate security measures. Trump Jr.’s trip is expected to be short, with plans indicating he will stay only for a few hours.