Donald Trump Jr's recent visit to Greenland has sparked significant attention and controversy. During his stay, he hosted a lunch at the Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk, where about 15 individuals, some donning Make America Great Again (MAGA) hats, attended. The event raised eyebrows as it turned out that many attendees were not Trump supporters but rather individuals enticed by the promise of free food.
In an unexpected twist, Trump Jr put his father, Donald Trump, on speakerphone during the lunch. The group enjoyed a traditional Greenlandic meal featuring fish and caribou. Jørgen Bay-Kastrup, chief executive of the hotel, observed that several guests seemed unaware of Trump Jr's identity when they agreed to attend.
“They were just, ‘Hey, somebody invited us for lunch, let’s go and join him’. I think they found out later who it was.” – Jørgen Bay-Kastrup
This visit comes in the wake of President Trump's controversial remarks about possibly acquiring Greenland through military or economic means. Despite repeated denials from Greenland and Denmark regarding the sale of the territory, the topic remains contentious. Greenland's prime minister has expressed interest in expanding collaboration with the United States, particularly in mining.
Following Trump Jr's visit, unusual activities unfolded outside a supermarket in Nuuk. Individuals wearing MAGA caps and American flags distributed $100 bills while filming the spectacle. A spokesperson for Trump Jr denied any connection to these actions, labeling such claims "beyond the pale ridiculous."
Jørgen Bay-Kastrup witnessed these events from his office and noted mixed reactions from onlookers.
“That of course was a little bit strange to us because we saw guests that we have never seen in our hotel before – and will probably never see again because it’s out of their economical means.” – Jørgen Bay-Kastrup
Jacob Nordstrøm, a local resident, shared his concern upon discovering that his 11-year-old son had returned home with a $100 bill.
“It’s really borderline shocking to find out that my 11-year-old son has received money from an adult he doesn’t know.” – Jacob Nordstrøm
In parallel developments, Republicans in the House of Representatives have introduced a draft bill titled the "Make Greenland Great Again Act." This proposed legislation aims to authorize the Trump administration to initiate negotiations for purchasing Greenland, aligning with Donald Trump's assertion that it is an "absolute necessity" for the US to acquire the territory.