President-elect Donald Trump has reignited his interest in acquiring Greenland, announcing plans to send his son, Donald Trump Jr., along with a team of representatives, to visit the island. In a post on his Truth Social account Monday, Trump wrote, “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!”
Trump included a video featuring a Greenlandic man wearing a MAGA hat. In the clip, the man enthusiastically stated, “Buy us! We don’t want to be colonized by the Danish government anymore … Denmark is using us too much. I love America.”
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is formally owned by the Kingdom of Denmark. It is home to just over 50,000 people, mostly of indigenous ancestry, living along its icy coasts. While Denmark has granted the island increasing autonomy over the years, it retains authority over Greenland’s foreign affairs and defense.
Trump’s fixation on purchasing Greenland is not a novel idea; the United States has entertained such proposals since the 19th century due to the island’s abundant natural resources and strategic location for military operations. U.S. military bases, such as the Thule Air Base, already operate on the island under agreements with Denmark.
However, Denmark has consistently rejected the idea of selling Greenland. More recently, the Danish government has increased its defense spending in the Arctic, likely as a countermeasure to growing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland comes alongside another provocative proposal: his public vision of turning Canada into a U.S. state. He suggested this would be the only way Canada could avoid the heavy tariffs he plans to impose.
Despite Denmark’s firm opposition, Trump appears undeterred. His plans to dispatch his son and representatives to Greenland signal his intent to keep the issue alive on the global stage. Whether these efforts resonate with Greenland’s residents or remain symbolic posturing, Trump’s Greenland ambitions continue to draw international attention and debate.