DAVOS, Switzerland — President Donald Trump demanded immediate negotiations on acquiring Greenland during his address to the World Economic Forum today, Wednesday 21 January, whilst insisting the United States would not use military force to take the Arctic island from Denmark.
Trump’s pursuit of Greenland, which he said was needed for national and international security, dominated his speech at the Swiss ski resort, where he returned for the first time in six years before a packed audience of global political and business leaders.
“It’s the United States alone that can protect this giant mass of land, this giant piece of ice,” Trump told attendees. “That’s the reason I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States.”
He told Denmark it faced “a choice” — accept the proposal and be appreciated by Washington, or decline and be remembered for the refusal. “A strong and secure America means a strong NATO,” he added.
Whilst Trump branded Denmark “ungrateful”, he appeared to rule out military action against the fellow NATO member. “We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force where we would be, frankly, unstoppable, but I won’t do that,” he said, calling it probably the “biggest statement I made”.
“I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”
Trump also criticised Europe on multiple fronts, from Greenland to tariffs and the economy, saying the continent was “not heading in the right direction”.
The territorial claims have overshadowed the Davos meeting, provoking responses from European and Canadian leaders. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney warned on Tuesday of a “rupture” to the US-led system, receiving a standing ovation for his speech.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told attendees on Wednesday that “thoughtful diplomacy” was needed as Trump’s claims provoke tensions within the alliance. “There are these tensions at the moment, there’s no doubt,” said Rutte.
Rutte also responded to Trump’s doubts about whether NATO would aid the United States if requested, stating: “I tell him, yes they will.”
France called on Wednesday for a NATO exercise in Greenland, with President Emmanuel Macron’s office saying Paris “is ready to contribute to it”. Macron had warned against US attempts to “subordinate Europe” and criticised Trump’s “unacceptable” threats to impose tariffs on allies over Greenland.
Europe has threatened countermeasures after Trump proposed levies of up to 25 per cent on eight European countries for supporting Denmark. Greenland’s prime minister said on Tuesday that the island’s 57,000 residents must be prepared for military force.
Trump arrived at Davos some two hours behind schedule after an electrical issue forced Air Force One to return to Washington and switch aircraft. In a sign of dissent against the president, the words “No Kings” were carved into the snow overlooking the mountain-fringed resort overnight, referencing a US protest slogan.
On Thursday, Trump is set to formally announce the first charter of his “Board of Peace”, a body for resolving international conflicts with a one billion dollar price tag for permanent membership.
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