US President Donald Trump, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, said he will not use military force to acquire Greenland but insisted on “immediate negotiations” to bring the island under US control. His remarks mark a significant shift from previous threats, though he continued to frame Greenland as strategically vital and claimed the United States alone could ensure its security.
Trump criticized Denmark as “ungrateful” for resisting US overtures and repeatedly pressed for talks, at times mistakenly referring to Greenland as Iceland. He cited concerns about Russia and China as justification for his pursuit of the Arctic territory and emphasized that the US would “remember” Denmark’s response.
The president also used his Davos platform to attack Europe broadly, questioning security, trade policies, and economic direction. His comments followed protests in Davos, including a snow banner reading “No Kings,” reflecting local dissent against his territorial ambitions.
European leaders swiftly pushed back. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would not yield to pressure over Greenland, while French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed Europe’s unity and criticized Trump’s rhetoric. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the need for “thoughtful diplomacy” and countered Trump’s doubts about the alliance’s commitment.
Trump’s Greenland push has strained relations with the EU, which threatened countermeasures after he floated tariffs against European nations backing Denmark. Amid the controversy, Trump is set to unveil the first charter of his $1 billion “Board of Peace,” aimed at resolving international conflicts.
