President-elect Donald Trump addressed Greenlanders via speakerphone on Tuesday, highlighting the island’s need for “security” amid his push to bring Greenland under U.S. ownership.
“I just want to say it’s a very special place. It needs security for itself, but it also needs security very much for the world,” Trump said during the call, which took place while his son, Donald Trump Jr., visited the Arctic island.
In a press conference the same day, Trump, 78, declined to rule out “military force” as an option to secure Greenland as U.S. territory.
The president-elect also referenced China’s interests in the Arctic region, remarking that there are “not the right ships” operating around Greenland. He emphasized the island’s strategic location, to which a Greenlander reportedly responded with an enthusiastic, “Yes!”
Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has repeatedly been declared “not for sale” by leaders in Greenland and Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reinforced this stance during Donald Trump Jr.’s visit, though she noted, “The U.S. should have a large role in that region, and not, for example, Russia.”
The assertions from Greenland and Denmark have not dissuaded Trump, who continues to promote the potential acquisition. “Don Jr. and my Reps landing in Greenland,” Trump wrote on Truth Social during his son’s visit. “The reception has been great. They, and the Free World, need safety, security, strength, and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen. MAGA. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”
While in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, Donald Trump Jr. met with locals, toured historical sites, and documented the trip for his podcast. He was joined by key Trump associates, including Sergio Gor, the incoming director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, and James Blair, the incoming deputy chief of staff for legislative, political, and public affairs.
The visit was described by sources familiar with the trip as unofficial and focused on media production. Trump Jr. was also photographed alongside Greenland residents, posing by notable landmarks, including the Hans Egede statue.
Interest in Greenland has grown internationally due to its vast mineral resources and strategic Arctic location, attracting attention from nations like Russia and China. Acquiring Greenland would constitute the largest land purchase in U.S. history, surpassing the Louisiana Purchase.
“If the people of Greenland want to be part of America, which I hope they do, they would be most welcome!” Elon Musk, a Trump ally and incoming chair of the Department of Government Efficiency, wrote on X.
While Greenland has expressed strong opposition to being sold, Trump’s rhetoric underscores his determination to make it a reality.
