US President Donald Trump said he would not use military force to acquire Greenland, but reiterated his desire for the United States to take control of the Arctic island, during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday.
Speaking to global political and business leaders, Trump said he wanted to “get Greenland, including right, title and ownership,” but insisted this would not be done through force. At the same time, he urged NATO allies to support the move and warned that opposition would not be forgotten.
“We want it, and we’re going to have it one way or the other — but not by force,” Trump said, adding that NATO should not stand in the way of what he described as US strategic interests.
He called on Denmark, a NATO ally that currently governs Greenland, to enter “immediate negotiations” with Washington. Trump accused Denmark of being “ungrateful,” citing US protection of the island during World War II, and argued that US control of Greenland was necessary for national security.
“This enormous, unsecured island is actually part of North America,” he said. “That’s our territory.”
Trump also used the Davos platform to criticise Europe’s economic direction, saying the US economy was strong while Europe was “not heading in the right direction.” His remarks, particularly his comments on Greenland, risk further straining relations with European allies.
During the speech, Trump also criticised NATO, claiming the alliance was overly dependent on the United States. He said many countries “don’t even work” without US support and took aim at French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing European countries of charging the US higher prices for pharmaceuticals.
Although Trump said he wanted to focus on inflation and economic growth at home, his Davos appearance was dominated by criticism of allies and renewed calls for US expansion in the Arctic.
