Florida [US] – Donald Trump Jr., the son of US President-elect Donald Trump, concluded his visit to Greenland on Tuesday, sharing his experiences on social media while his father sparked controversy by refusing to rule out the use of military force in an attempt to bring Greenland and the Panama Canal under US control.
Trump Jr. posted a picture on Truth Social of himself holding the American flag with a group of people wearing MAGA hats in Greenland, writing, “Greenland loves America and Trump!!! Incredible people with an equally awesome reception. They just want to be able to utilize some of the incredible resources that they have and allow themselves, their country, and their kids to flourish.”
Earlier, President-elect Donald Trump had addressed the possibility of using force in Greenland during a lengthy news conference at Mar-a-Lago. When asked if he could assure the world that military or economic coercion would not be used to take control of Greenland or the Panama Canal, Trump responded, “I can’t assure you… No, I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this – we need them for economic security.”
This statement came after Trump made earlier comments on Truth Social, claiming that the people of Greenland were “MAGA.” He said, “I am hearing that the people of Greenland are ‘MAGA.’ My son, Don Jr., and various representatives, will be traveling there to visit some of the most magnificent areas and sights. Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation. We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN.”
In the video shared by Trump, a man wearing a MAGA hat was heard responding to a question about what message he would give to Trump, saying, “Buy us. Buy Greenland.”
Trump’s comments regarding Greenland also followed a post on December 23, in which he stated, “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.”
Meanwhile, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected Trump’s aspirations for Greenland, emphasizing that the future of the island should be determined by its people. In an interview with Danish TV, Frederiksen said, “I would much rather have American investment and American interest than I want Russian or Chinese. On the other hand, I would like to encourage everyone to respect that the Greenlanders are a people, they are a population.”
Greenland, the world’s largest island that is not a continent, is home to around 56,000 people, most of whom live in the 20% of the land that is not covered by ice and snow. While Greenland has an extensive local government, it remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.