Donald Trump Jr. is scheduled to visit Greenland on Tuesday amid suggestions from his father that the Danish territory should be part of the US.
President-elect Donald Trump confirmed his son’s visit on his platform Truth Social.
“I’m hearing the people of Greenland are ‘MAGA’. My son, Don Jr., and various representatives, will be going there to tour some of the most spectacular areas and sights,” he posted late Monday.
“Greenland is an incredible place, and people will benefit greatly when it becomes part of our nation. We will protect it from the very dangerous outside world, and cherish it. Make Greenland great again!” He added.
A person familiar with the plans told The Associated Press that Trump Jr. would be shooting video content for a podcast. He is a vocal supporter of his father’s policies, but has said that he will not join the new administration.
The Danish Foreign Ministry said it was aware of the visit.
“Since this is not an official US visit, the Danish Foreign Ministry has no further comment,” the ministry said.
Why is Trump interested in Greenland?
Greenland is located between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans and about 80% of it is covered with ice. It has a large American military base. It has its own parliament and government, and new elections are due this year.
This is not the first time Trump has expressed interest in US control of Greenland. He had made similar claims in 2019 also.
In December 2024 Trump said, “For purposes of national security and liberty around the world, the United States feels that ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”
In response, Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede said, “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be sold.”
Egede and other leaders have expressed their plans to strive for independence from Denmark, its former colonial ruler.
Greenland diplomat Mininguag Kleist told Danish public television DR that Trump Jr.’s visit appeared to be private and not much was known about it. Kleist ordered that he was not expected to meet any officials.
On Monday, billionaire Elon Musk, a close Trump adviser, posted on social media: “The people of Greenland should decide their future and I think they want to be part of America!”
tg/zc (AFP, AP, Reuters)