Donald Trump Jr. made an unannounced visit to Greenland Tuesday, just weeks after his father, President-elect Donald Trump, renewed his interest in acquiring the mineral-rich Danish territory.
Video of Trump, Jr.’s warm greeting by locals quickly went viral.
“Today, I had an absolutely incredible experience in Greenland. I was almost shocked by the positive reception that we received from the locals,” Trump Jr. told Breitbart News. “Many of them complained about not being allowed to access the natural resources that they possess because Denmark has restricted the people from utilizing them.”
The visit prompted immediate pushback from Danish leaders, which owns the autonomous territory of approximately 57,000 people. They have repeatedly rejected the idea that the United States could purchase the territory.
“Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen said. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede added: “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom.”
Trump defended the potential acquisition on Truth Social: “We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”
After his son’s arrival, Trump added that the territory needed “safety, security, strength and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen.”
The autonomous Danish territory spreads across 2.2 million square kilometers and holds significant mineral and oil reserves, though oil and uranium exploration are currently banned. A U.S. military base already operates there.
Greenland also represents a critical strategic position as Arctic ice recedes and opens new potentially shipping lanes in the far North of the hemisphere.
Trump first proposed buying Greenland in 2019 during his first term. In announcing Ken Howery as ambassador to Denmark on December 22 of that year, Trump wrote: “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.”
Greenlandic lawmaker Aaja Chemnitz rejected Trump’s proposal at the time.
“Unbelievable that some people can be so naive as to believe that our happiness lies in us becoming American citizens,” she wrote on Facebook.
Trump Jr., accompanied by Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk, maintained he visited “as a tourist.” Campaign political director James Blair reported a “warm welcome” in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.
Take a look —
The youth of Greenland love America and they love Trump.
Let's go!!
🇺🇸🤝🇬🇱 pic.twitter.com/vcgyGfW0Rn
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 7, 2025
Trump says the people of Greenland are “MAGA.”
This guy agrees! He says he wants Trump to “buy Greenland” and that he loves America. pic.twitter.com/rZbaRuuZJr
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) January 6, 2025
The visit comes as Greenland moves toward greater autonomy. While Denmark has controlled justice, monetary, defense, and foreign affairs since granting autonomy in 1979, Greenland presented plans for its own constitution in 2023. The territory receives one-fifth of its GDP in Danish subsidies.
Legislative elections must be held before April 6, potentially making Greenland’s relationship with Denmark and the United States a central campaign issue.