Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of the President-elect, is expected to visit Greenland on Tuesday, a source familiar with the trip told Newsweek.
Why It Matters
President-elect Donald Trump has suggested in the past that the United States should buy Greenland, which is an autonomous territory that has been part of Denmark for more than 600 years. Former President Harry Truman offered to purchase it from Denmark in 1946 for $100 million in gold.
Greenland has access to the Arctic, where international competition has arisen in recent years as nations race to claim northern territory in hopes of accessing natural resources abundant in the region, like gold, silver, copper and uranium. The U.S. has considered acquiring Greenland several times in the past, with the most recent attempt in 2019, when Trump first brought up the idea. Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, is closer to New York than the Danish capital Copenhagen.
Donald Trump Jr. takes the stage during a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden on October 27, 2024 in New York City. Trump is expected to visit Greenland Tuesday
Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/Google Maps
What To Know
Donald Trump Jr., 46, has no meetings scheduled with representatives of the Greenlandic government, the source told Newsweek. Reuters is also reporting that Trump Jr. will not be meeting with political figures.
“Don is popping in for a quick day-long trip to shoot some fun video content for podcasting,” the source told Newsweek. “He will not be meeting with any government officials or political figures.”
Two weeks ago, President-elect Trump posted to his social media platform Truth Social that “the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”
Greenland’s prime minister, Múte Bourup Egede, responded to Donald Trump’s remarks, in a statement saying that “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale, and we will never be for sale. We must not lose our long fight for freedom.”
In 2019, Donald Trump told reporters, “We’re very good allies with Denmark. We protect Denmark like we protect large portions of the world. So, the concept came up and I said, ‘Certainly I’d be.’ Strategically, it’s interesting and we’d be interested, but we’ll talk to them a little bit. It’s not No. 1 on the burner; I can tell you that.”
“Essentially, it’s a large real estate deal. A lot of things can be done,” he continued about a Greenland purchase.
After his comments were widely criticized by Danish officials, Donald Trump announced he was canceling his scheduled meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who called Trump’s suggestion “an absurd discussion.”
Donald Trump Jr.’s Role in His Father’s Political Rise
Donald Trump Jr. was active in all of his father’s presidential campaigns. In 2016, The New York Times called him a “close political advisor” to his father. Donald Jr. was centered on an issue around Russian interference in the election, having met with Russian lawyers who promised information about Trump’s opponent former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He had claimed, however, that the meeting was about the adoption of Russian children.
In 2020, Donald Jr. called for a “total war” as results were counted. He was also a proponent of the stolen election theories. Donald Jr. spoke at his father’s rally that was prior to the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6.
Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak with Donald Trump Jr. during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on November 06, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump Jr. is going to Greenland on Tuesday
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
In 2024, Donald Jr. spoke at the Republican National Convention before introducing vice president-elect JD Vance.
Prior to his first term in office, each of Trump’s three eldest children—Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric—all head executive vice president titles at the Trump Organization. Donald Jr. supervised building projects like Trump International Hotel and Tower.
Donald Jr. was previously married to model Vanessa Kay Haydon. They have five children: Kai Madison, Donald John III, Tristan Milos, Spencer Frederick and Chloe Sophia.
His eldest, Kai, has been more politically active during the 2024 election cycle. She spoke at the Republican National Convention during the third night.
What People Are Saying
President-elect Donald Trump in a Truth Social post on Monday: “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!”
Greenland’s Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mininnguaq Kleist, told Reuters: “We have not been briefed on the nature of his program and therefore this is a private visit.”
Republicans Against Trump posted on X: “Donald Trump suggested taking ownership of Greenland as he announced Ken Howery as his pick for U.S. ambassador to Denmark. Trump isn’t even in office yet, and we’re already becoming the laughingstock of the world.”
What’s Next
In his New Year speech last week, Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede intensified the call for independence from Denmark, asserting that the island must liberate itself from “the shackles of colonialism” and determine its own destiny. Notably, he did not mention the United States in his address.
Update: 1/6/25, 6:42 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with remarks made by President-Elect Donald Trump in a Truth Social post.
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