In an extraordinary statement on Tuesday, Trump also suggested he would impose tariffs on Denmark if it resists his offer to buy Greenland.

Asked at a press conference whether he could assure the world that he would not use military or economic coercion as he tries to gain control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, Trump said: "No, I can't assure you on either of those two. But I can say this, we need them for economic security."

The remarks came two weeks before Trump is due to be sworn in as president, and on the same day that his eldest child, Donald Trump Jr, arrived in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, on what he insisted was a “private day trip,” with no meetings planned with officials.

Greenland is for Greenlanders: Danish PM

In response to the visit, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen doubled down on earlier statements by the autonomous Danish territory’s leaders that it is not for sale.

“Greenland is for the Greenlandic people,” she was quoted by Reuters as saying.

She stressed the importance of ties with the U.S., describing Washington as “our absolute closest ally,” but added: “It is only Greenland in my eyes that can decide and define Greenland’s future.”

While Trump Jr insisted his visit is private, Politico reported that among the entourage that arrived with him aboard Trump’s private ‘Trump Force One’ Boeing 757 was “firebrand” conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Moreover, Donald Trump Sr himself referred to the group as his representatives.

“Don Jr. and my Reps landing in Greenland,” he posted on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday. “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!”

In his remarks to reporters, Trump also vowed to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has previously rejected the notion of handing the Panama Canal back to the U.S., which had owned it before turning over control to the Central American country in 1999.