21 hours ago
US President-elect Donald Trump is sending his eldest son, Don Jr., to Greenland as part of his plan to bring it under American control.
Don Jr. will embark on a "fact-finding" trip to the Arctic island, Trump said, adding that the people of the island are "MAGA" - an acronym for Make America Great Again, a political movement popularized by Trump.
Despite Greenland's repeated statements that it is not for sale, Trump remains focused on making the island a part of US.
Trump shared the news on Monday through a post on Truth Social, which included a video of a Greenlander putting on a red “Make America Great Again” hat and asking Trump to “buy us”.
The video was accompanied by the caption: "I am hearing that the people of Greenland are ‘MAGA.’”
“Make Greenland Great Again”
Trump has doubled down his desire to acquire Greenland since winning the presidential polls, describing it as a "necessity" for US due to its strategic location and natural resources.
The island, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is rich in minerals and offers significant potential for economic and military leverage in the Arctic.
“My son, Don Jr., and various representatives, will be traveling there to visit some of the most magnificent areas and sights,” Trump wrote. “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!”
Though Don Jr. and his team will visit Greenland on Tuesday, sources told New York Post that they will not meet with any official government representatives.
The visit is being described as an informal trip to explore the island’s potential.
Greenland’s Resistance
Greenland leaders have pushed back against Trump's plan by putting up strong resistance.
Prime Minister Mºte Egede has repeatedly said that Greenland is “not for sale and will never be for sale.”
In his New Year’s speech, he said that Greenland is pursuing its own path to independence and seeks to be free from the “shackles of colonialism.”
Egede also called for Greenland to take a more active role in determining its future and its relationships with other countries, including potential trading partners.
Symbolic Push from Denmark
Tensions triggered by Trump’s continued rhetoric about acquiring Greenland have led to symbolic gestures from Denmark. King Frederik of Denmark recently updated the country’s coat of arms to place more emphasis on the polar bear symbol representing Greenland and the Faroe Islands, reinforcing the connection between Denmark and its territories.
Trump’s Broader Strategic Vision
Trump’s push for Greenland is part of a broader America-first strategy that includes countering geopolitical threats from China and Russia. He has referred to the potential acquisition as a “large real estate deal” and has called it a critical move to expand US influence in the Arctic.
Sources close to the president-elect told NY Post that he is “100% serious” about pursuing not only Greenland’s acquisition but also the idea of reacquiring the Panama Canal as part of his strategic objectives.
Trump also said that Canada should become the "51st US state" during his tirade against Prime Minister Jutin Trudeau, who recently announced his resignation.
Historic Land Acquisition?
If Trump’s vision for acquiring Greenland were to succeed, it would represent the largest land acquisition in US history, surpassing the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.
However, with Greenland’s government and Denmark continuing to oppose the idea, it seems the battle over Greenland’s future remains far from settled.
