Donald Trump Jr., son of President-elect Donald Trump, has reignited discussions about U.S. plans to acquire Greenland during a recent visit to the Arctic island. In a Newsmax interview on Tuesday, Trump Jr. openly emphasized Greenland’s untapped wealth of rare minerals, describing U.S. control of the region as a win for both nations.
“Denmark has prevented the Arctic island from utilizing the great natural resources that they have,” Trump Jr. stated, referencing coal, uranium, gold, and other valuable materials. “From a trade and commerce standpoint, from a military and strategic location, it actually seems like a total no-brainer.”
The remarks come amid heightened discussions over Greenland’s strategic importance and independence aspirations. While Denmark maintains sovereignty over Greenland, the island has had home rule since 1979. However, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, recently hinted at a referendum on full independence, which could be held as soon as April.
President-elect Donald Trump has not ruled out the use of military force to claim the territory, stating that Greenland’s acquisition is critical for “National Security and Freedom throughout the World.” Trump first proposed purchasing Greenland in 2019, but Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected the notion, declaring, “Greenland is not for sale.”
Despite Danish and Greenlandic opposition, Trump Jr. insists that U.S. control would benefit Greenlanders by unlocking the island’s economic potential. Critics, however, view the proposal as disrespectful and colonialist.
Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic member of the Danish parliament, expressed disdain for the idea. “Most people don’t want it,” she told The Associated Press. “The way it has been done, and just the fact that you’re saying that you can buy another country—it’s quite disrespectful.”
Adding complexity to the debate, Elon Musk, a key Trump ally and CEO of Tesla, has voiced support for the acquisition, citing Greenland’s importance in supplying minerals crucial for electric vehicles.
As President-elect Trump’s January 20 inauguration approaches, the push for Greenland underscores his administration’s focus on bold, and often controversial, geopolitical strategies. The world watches closely as Greenland’s leaders prepare for potential independence and a referendum that could alter the island’s future.
