President-elect Donald Trump has again suggested a U.S. takeover of Greenland as his son heads to the territory for a visit.
"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," Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday night.
"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!"
Newsweek has contacted a Trump transition spokesperson for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Trump has previously suggested that the United States should buy Greenland, an autonomous territory that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Donald Trump Jr.'s visit is the first by a Trump family member, suggesting an escalation in Trump's designs on the territory.
A source told Newsweek that the younger Trump's visit will not involve any meetings with government officials or political figures.
Trump's eldest son is a prominent player in his father's political movement and has served on his presidential transition team, though he has said he has no plans to join his father's administration.
What to Know
Trump Jr. is going to Greenland for a day-long trip to shoot content for podcasting, a source familiar with the trip previously told Newsweek.
He has no meetings scheduled with representatives of the local government or political figures, the source said.
The U.S. has made several attempts to purchase Greenland in the past.
Trump brought up purchasing Greenland during his first term. In August 2019, he canceled a planned visit to Denmark after the country's prime minister dismissed the idea that Greenland was for sale.
And last month, he said that "ownership and control" of Greenland is "absolutely necessary."
"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," he said in a statement, as he announced his pick for U.S. ambassador to Denmark.
Múte Bourup Egede, Greenland's prime minister, responded that Greenland is "not for sale and will never be for sale."
Greenland, the world's largest island, with a population of about 56,000, was ruled by Denmark from the early 18th century until 1979, when it gained home rule. Greenland gained further autonomy and became self-ruled in 2009.
Still, Denmark contributes two-thirds of Greenland's budget and its association has allowed Greenland to receive funding from the European Union. Greenland is also home to a large U.S. military base.
What People Are Saying
Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X who has been tapped by Trump to lead the department of Government Efficiency, wrote on X: "The People of Greenland should decide their future and I think they want to be part of America!"
Aaja Chemnitz, a member of Greenland's parliament, wrote in a post on Facebook that it is "incredible that some can be so naive to think happiness is made by us becoming American citizens."
She added: "I don't want to be a piece of Trump's hot dreams of expanding his empire to include our country. Don't let Trump control the Greenland election campaign and leave the population as losers in that game."
Greenland's prime minister, Múte B. Egede, said in response to Trump's comments in December: "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom."
What's Next
Trump's renewed remarks about buying Greenland are not the only comments he has made about the U.S. expanding its territorial holdings since winning back the White House in November. He has also recently suggested the U.S. could reclaim control of the Panama Canal and that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state.
His proposals would be "a return to an older vision of power, where security is achieved through acreage" rather than alliances and trade, Daniel Immerwahr, an expert on American imperialism who teaches at Northwestern University, previously told Newsweek.
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