US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he would not use military force to pursue control of Greenland, but insisted that no other country is capable of securing the Danish territory. Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Trump sought to dismiss concerns over his remarks while reiterating his interest in acquiring the strategically located island.
“People thought I would use force, but I don’t have to,” Trump said. “I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”Despite ruling out military action, Trump adopted a combative tone, sharply criticising European allies for what he described as policy failures and a lack of loyalty on issues ranging from renewable energy and environmental regulation to immigration and geopolitics.
His renewed comments on Greenland have strained transatlantic relations and unsettled European leaders, overshadowing a speech that was expected to centre on the US economy. Trump characterised the proposal as a “small ask” for a “piece of ice,” argued that it would pose no threat to Nato, and labelled Denmark “ungrateful,” even though both Denmark and the United States are members of the alliance.
“No nation or group of nations is in any position to secure Greenland other than the United States,” Trump said, adding that he was seeking immediate negotiations to reopen discussions on a possible US acquisition of the territory.
During the more than hour-long address, Trump on several occasions mistakenly referred to Greenland as Iceland. Marking the end of what he described as a turbulent first year in office, the president appeared set to dominate the Davos agenda, where global political and business leaders are meeting to discuss economic and geopolitical trends.
Nato leaders have warned that Trump’s approach to Greenland could destabilise the alliance. In response, the governments of Denmark and Greenland have proposed various options to expand the US presence on the island, which has a population of about 57,000, without altering its sovereignty.
“We want a piece of ice for world protection, and they won’t give it,” Trump said, addressing a packed congress hall.While hundreds of delegates initially gathered to watch or listen to the speech—either in person or via video screens—many drifted away as it progressed, eventually resuming conversations elsewhere in the venue.