Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President-elect Donald Trump, arrived in Greenland on Tuesday for a private visit that has fueled growing speculation about the possibility of the US seeking to take control of the mineral-rich territory.
Greenland, which hosts a large US military base, has recently garnered attention due to its strategic importance.
According to reports from Denmark’s state broadcaster, Trump Jr.’s plane touched down in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, which is home to just 57,000 residents. Local media broadcast footage showing Trump Jr. walking across a snowy tarmac, marking the start of his visit.
Greenland’s government stated that Trump Jr.’s trip would take place “as a private individual” and not as an official visit. They also noted that there would be no meetings with Greenlandic officials. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and it has historically maintained a certain degree of separation from political involvement with foreign nations.
The purpose of Trump Jr.’s trip, according to sources familiar with the visit, is to film video content for a podcast. He is expected to stay for about four to five hours. The Greenland Foreign Affairs Department confirmed that neither Trump Jr.’s delegation nor local officials had requested a formal meeting.
However, his visit carries political overtones. The president-elect has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a desire he previously voiced during his first term. This interest revolves around Greenland’s strategic location between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, an area of growing geopolitical importance, particularly for the US, China, Russia, and other powers.
In a post on his social media platform, the president-elect shared his thoughts on Greenland’s potential acquisition: “I am hearing that the people of Greenland are ‘MAGA.’ My son, Don Jr., and various representatives will be travelling 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!”
The visit comes amid growing tensions surrounding Greenland’s future. Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede has expressed a desire for the territory’s independence from Denmark, calling it a means of freeing the region from its colonial past. However, Egede also stated that Greenland has no intention of becoming part of the United States, emphasizing that the island is not for sale.
Meanwhile, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reinforced the idea that Greenland’s future should be decided by Greenland itself. She also reiterated Denmark’s strong relationship with the United States, calling the US its most crucial ally.
In a significant display of Denmark’s sovereignty, King Frederik X of Denmark recently added Greenland to the royal coat of arms, symbolizing the kingdom’s historical rights over the territory. This change marks Greenland’s representation with a silver bear on the coat of arms, symbolizing the region’s lasting connection with Denmark.
Former US President Donald Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland was a topic of discussion during his first term in office. His administration even sought to purchase the island, an offer that was ultimately rejected by Denmark. The former president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., has since become a key figure in his father’s political movement and has been actively involved in the presidential transition team.
In a statement last month, the president-elect once again highlighted his interest in Greenland: “For purposes of national security and freedom throughout the world, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”
As the world watches this developing situation, the relationship between the US, Denmark, and Greenland remains a matter of both diplomatic and geopolitical importance.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Hush money case: Judge rejects Trump‘s bid to delay Friday sentencing
