Here’s why he’s so interested in the world’s largest island

GREENLAND – On Tuesday, Donald Trump Jr. landed in Greenland, the Arctic island his father, President-elect Donald Trump, has expressed a strong desire to purchase, despite sharp statements from Greenland that it is not for sale.

Trump Jr. framed the trip as “a little bit of fun,” telling CNN, “as an outdoorsman, I’m excited to stop into Greenland for this week.” But the trip has fueled speculation about what exactly his father’s plans are for this Arctic territory. In December, Trump revived calls made in his first presidency for US ownership of Greenland, calling it “an absolute necessity.” On Monday, in a social media post announcing his son’s visit, he said Greenland would “benefit tremendously” from becoming part of the United States. “We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World,” Trump added.

The president-elect says owning the island is vital for national security, but experts say he may also be eyeing other aspects of Greenland such as its trove of natural resources – including rare earth metals – which may become more accessible as climate change melts the territory’s ice. (CNN)