Shortly after Donald Trump Jr. arrived in Nuuk, Greenland aboard a Trump-branded plane, his father, President-elect Donald Trump, conducted a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, raising the possibility of using military force to annex Greenland. Trump also warned of imposing significant tariffs on Denmark if it obstructs his ambitions for the territory.

Trump has consistently stated that controlling Greenland and the Panama Canal is vital for the United States' economic security. He views the acquisition of Greenland as an essential real estate deal and has previously urged his aides to explore the potential for purchasing the territory. The interest in Greenland stems from its vast natural resources, including oil, gas, and various raw materials critical for green technology, especially amid fears of geopolitical rivalry with countries like China, which currently leads in the production of rare earth materials. Furthermore, Greenland's strategic location between the US and Russia could enhance defense capabilities, particularly as melting ice opens new shipping routes through the Arctic.

Denmark has a deep historical relationship with Greenland, having controlled it since the 18th century and continuing to govern its foreign and security affairs. Recently, tensions have risen between Greenland and Denmark, fueled by historical grievances and contemporary calls for independence from colonial legacies. Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede has voiced the need for independence, insisting that they should not be influenced by external opinions regarding their future.

Denmark's response to Trump's advances has been clear, as Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen insisted that Greenland is not for sale and that it should belong to its own people. Egede reinforced this point, stating that Greenland's future is to be decided by its leaders rather than foreign powers. Moreover, his decision to cancel a meeting with the Danish King was widely interpreted as a statement against Trump's assertive comments. In parallel, the Danish monarchy has symbolically reaffirmed its connection to Greenland through updated regalia, signaling a unified identity with its territories.