Donald Trump Jr. is making headlines with a visit to Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, as his father, President-elect Donald Trump, continues to stir debate over the possibility of U.S. control of the island.
Trump Jr.’s visit is reportedly private and focused on creating podcast content. According to sources familiar with the plans, he will not be meeting with Greenland’s government officials or political leaders. Yet the visit comes at a time when President-elect Trump has reignited his controversial vision for Greenland to become part of the United States.
“Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation,” Trump posted on his social media platform Monday night. Referring to his “Make America Great Again” movement, he added, “We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”
Danish broadcaster DR reported that Trump Jr. would arrive Tuesday, with Greenland’s government confirming that there were no requests for official meetings. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte B. Egede, has not publicly commented on the visit, but his December response to Trump’s renewed interest in the island remains clear: “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.”
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is 80% covered in ice and holds strategic importance due to its location between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. It also hosts a significant U.S. military base. While Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland first emerged during his presidency in 2019—prompting a diplomatic rift with Denmark—it has since resurfaced with a focus on national security and global influence.
President-elect Trump has emphasized the island’s significance, stating last month, “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.”
Criticism from Greenland’s leaders has been sharp. Aaja Chemnitz, a member of Greenland’s parliament, took to Facebook to denounce the idea, urging her fellow citizens to reject any U.S. overtures. “It is incredible that some can be so naive to think happiness is made by us becoming American citizens,” she wrote, warning against allowing Trump to influence Greenland’s internal politics.
Local media initially speculated that Trump Jr. might meet with Erik Jensen, Greenland’s finance minister and chairman of the Siumut party. However, sources close to Trump Jr. have denied such plans.
Adding fuel to the conversation, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, a close advisor to President-elect Trump, voiced his support for the idea on his social media platform X, stating, “The People of Greenland should decide their future, and I think they want to be part of America!”
Despite the rhetoric, Greenlanders have been vocal about their autonomy. The island gained home rule from Denmark in 1979 and continues to govern itself under its parliament, led by Egede. New elections are expected by April 6, heightening the stakes of this ongoing conversation.
Whether Trump’s vision of “Make Greenland Great Again” gains any traction remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the island’s political future is once again under an international spotlight.
