Trump Presses for Greenland Control at Davos, Questions NATO Commitment, Slams Allies
Davos, Switzerland, January 22 (ANI):
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday renewed his push for the United States to acquire Greenland, calling the Arctic territory a strategic necessity for global security while addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Framing the proposal as essential to international peace and NATO’s future strength, Trump insisted that only the United States is capable of defending the island.
“What I am asking for is a piece of ice—cold and poorly located—that can play a vital role in world peace,” Trump said, describing Greenland as “almost completely undefended” despite its strategic location in the Arctic. He asserted that Greenland is “part of North America” and argued that no country other than the US is capable of securing it.
Trump repeatedly ruled out the use of military force, calling such speculation unfounded. “We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force—where we would be unstoppable. But I won’t do that,” he said. “That’s probably the biggest statement I made.”
Instead, Trump called for “immediate negotiations” with European allies, stressing that US ownership of Greenland would not threaten NATO but would strengthen the alliance. “This would greatly enhance the security of the entire NATO alliance,” he said, while again claiming that the United States has been treated “very unfairly” by NATO partners.
The US President argued that Washington has historically carried a disproportionate share of the alliance’s defense burden. “We’ll be there for NATO 100 per cent, but I’m not sure if they’ll be there for us,” he said, questioning whether allies would reciprocate support in a crisis. Referring to Article 5—the alliance’s collective defense clause—Trump said he was uncertain allies would come to America’s defense despite US sacrifices over decades.
Trump also criticized Denmark, which governs Greenland as an autonomous territory, accusing it of failing to meet defense commitments. Referring to World War II, he recalled Denmark’s rapid defeat by Nazi Germany and said the US had stepped in to defend Greenland. “We fought to save Denmark. We set up bases in Greenland, and after World War II we gave Greenland back. How stupid were we to do that? How ungrateful are they now?” he said, while also claiming “tremendous respect” for the people of Denmark and Greenland.
Rejecting claims that Greenland’s mineral wealth was driving US interest, Trump dismissed the notion of rare earth dependency. “There is no such thing as rare earth—there is rare processing,” he said. “We don’t need Greenland for rare earth. We need it for international security.”
Trump linked Greenland directly to his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, saying it was vital for Arctic and transatlantic security. “The biggest ever Golden Dome will be in Greenland,” he said, adding that the system would also protect Canada. “Canada should be more grateful,” Trump remarked, later adding, “Canada lives because of the United States.”
Trump’s remarks sparked pushback from allies. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged “thoughtful diplomacy” amid rising tensions within the alliance, while France called for a NATO military exercise in Greenland and expressed readiness to participate. Greenland’s Prime Minister warned that the island’s population of 57,000 must be prepared for potential military pressure.
During the same address, Trump criticized European energy policies as “horrible” and urged Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security, while emphasizing that the US “cares greatly for the people of Europe.” He cited his Scottish and German ancestry in underscoring transatlantic ties.
Turning to Ukraine, Trump again claimed the war would not have occurred had the 2020 US presidential election not been “rigged.” He described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “a great guy” and said the US had spent USD 350 billion on Ukraine, arguing that Washington should avoid entanglement in distant conflicts. “We are thousands of miles away from Ukraine. We have nothing to do with it,” he said.
Trump’s appearance at Davos followed a delayed arrival after Air Force One was forced to return shortly after takeoff due to a minor electrical issue, requiring an aircraft change. He later arrived in Zurich before traveling to Davos, where his remarks on Greenland dominated diplomatic discussions and deepened one of the most serious rifts between Washington and its Western allies in decades.
Despite mounting opposition from Denmark, Greenland, and several European governments, Trump signaled he would continue pressing the issue. Asked how far he was willing to go to secure Greenland, he replied, “You’ll find out.” (ANI)
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