President Donald Trump‘s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland has prompted significant social media backlash, particularly surrounding a tweet he posted in August 2019. This tweet recently resurfaced as Trump continues to advocate for the purchase during his 2024-2025 presidential campaign.
Initially suggesting the idea of buying Greenland during his first term, Trump has since claimed that control over the territory is vital for national security reasons. He points to its strategic location and abundant mineral resources, as well as increasing military activities from Russia and China in the region. Critics, however, question his motives, with many using the #TrumpTowerGreenland hashtag to mock his past statements.
In the controversial tweet from 2019, Trump shared a digitally altered image of a picturesque seaside town adorned with a massive golden skyscraper emblazoned with his name. The tweet read, “I promise not to do this to Greenland!” This self-deprecating humor has since become a focal point for critics, who are quick to remind the public of his earlier assurances.
Social media users have responded with a mix of humor and skepticism. One user quipped, “How long would this promise hold?” while another remarked, “Promise is a debt but to Trump a promise is like negotiation; nobody knows what he is going to do next.” A third user simply stated, “What an eyesore.”
As backlash grows, Trump doubled down on his assertions regarding Greenland’s importance. Speaking on January 16, 2024, he suggested that he might impose tariffs on countries that resist his ambitions regarding the territory, declaring, “We need Greenland for national security.”
Responses from notable figures have also emerged. Frank Rose, former assistant secretary of state under Barack Obama and the last U.S. official to negotiate a defense agreement with Denmark, criticized Trump’s claims, as did officials from the Greenland Home Rule administration.
Demonstrations are planned across Denmark and Greenland in response to Trump’s territorial ambitions. The protests are expected to highlight local opposition to Trump’s proposals and the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy in the Arctic region.
As Trump’s campaign progresses, the public will likely continue to scrutinize his statements and actions regarding Greenland, with this latest episode serving as a reminder of the enduring impact of social media in shaping political narratives.
