US president-elect Donald Trump told residents of Greenland that “we’re going to treat you well” as his oldest son visited the mineral-rich Danish territory that is home to a large US military base, heightening speculation that the incoming US administration could seek to acquire it.
The president-elect later told a news conference he would not rule out using military force or economic coercion to take control of Greenland, saying that “we need it for national security”.
Earlier, the president-elect posted a video showing a TRUMP-emblazoned plane landing in Nuuk, the Arctic territory’s capital, in a landscape of snow-capped peaks and fiords.
“Don Jr. and my Reps landing in Greenland,” Trump wrote. “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!” Supporters later posted video of Trump speaking by phone to locals.
In a statement, Greenland’s government said Donald Trump Jnr’s visit was taking place “as a private individual” and not as an official visit, and Greenlandic representatives would not meet with him.
Trump Jnr was in Greenland for a day trip to shoot video content for podcasting, according to a person familiar with the plans who was not authorised to speak publicly. Trump’s eldest son has become a prominent player in his father’s political movement and has served on his presidential transition team.