Davos, Switzerland | January 21, 2026 (ANI) — US President Donald Trump on Wednesday renewed his push for American control of Greenland, calling for “immediate negotiations” with European allies while insisting that such a move would strengthen—rather than threaten—the NATO alliance. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Trump ruled out the use of military force but warned that trade pressure and strategic necessity would continue to shape Washington’s approach.
Addressing global leaders, Trump argued that Greenland’s strategic location makes it vital to US and NATO security, particularly as Arctic routes open and competition with Russia and China intensifies.
“It’s the United States alone that can protect this giant mass of land, develop it, and make it safe for Europe and good for us,” Trump said. “That’s why I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States. This would not be a threat to NATO. It would greatly enhance the security of the entire alliance.”
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO member. Leaders in Denmark, Greenland, and across Europe have repeatedly rejected the idea of a US takeover.
No Force, But Full Ownership Sought
Trump made his clearest statement yet ruling out military action, responding to growing speculation over whether Washington might use force to secure the Arctic island.
“I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,” he said. “People thought I would. I won’t.”
However, he emphasised that Washington seeks full ownership rather than a lease or expanded basing agreement.
“You can’t defend it on a lease,” Trump said. “You need right, title, and ownership.”
He added that no other nation or group of nations is capable of adequately securing Greenland. “Every NATO ally has an obligation to defend their own territory,” he said, calling the US a “much greater power than people even understand.”
NATO, Denmark, and Historical Claims
Trump criticised NATO allies, saying the US bears a disproportionate burden for the alliance’s security.
“The United States is treated very unfairly by NATO. We give so much and get so little,” he said, claiming his leadership had done more for NATO than any previous US president.
He also sharply criticised Denmark, calling it “ungrateful” and reviving historical arguments tied to World War II.
“Denmark fell to Germany after six hours of fighting and couldn’t defend itself or Greenland,” Trump said. “The United States was compelled to step in. After the war, we gave Greenland back. How stupid were we to do that?”
Despite the criticism, Trump said he respected the people of Denmark and Greenland.
Tariffs and the ‘Golden Dome’
Trump linked Greenland to his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system, describing the territory as indispensable to US national security.
“The United States needs Greenland for National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome we are building,” Trump wrote earlier this month on Truth Social.
He has announced plans to impose a 10 per cent tariff beginning February 1 on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. Trump warned that tariffs could rise to 25 per cent from June 1 if negotiations stall, remaining in place until Washington secures control of Greenland.
According to the US Department of Defense, the Golden Dome is intended to be a “system of systems” capable of defending against aerial threats from any adversary.
Allies Push Back
Trump’s remarks have deepened tensions within NATO. Alliance chief Mark Rutte called for “thoughtful diplomacy” as strains grow among member states. France said it was ready to contribute to a NATO exercise in Greenland, while Greenland’s Prime Minister warned that the island’s population of about 57,000 must be prepared for potential military pressure.
Trump said he planned to hold several meetings on Greenland during the Davos summit. When asked how far he was willing to go to secure the territory, he replied, “You’ll find out.”
Canada Also Targeted
In a separate exchange at Davos, Trump criticised Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, accusing Canada of taking US protection for granted.
“Canada gets a lot of freebies from us. They should be grateful,” Trump said. “Canada lives because of the United States.”
His comments followed Carney’s WEF address warning that the world is entering an era where the rules-based international order is breaking down, and cautioning against the weaponisation of trade and tariffs—remarks widely seen as a veiled reference to US pressure tactics linked to Greenland.
Global Implications
Trump’s high-profile push for Greenland has emerged as one of the most contentious issues at WEF 2026, opening what diplomats describe as the most serious rift between Washington and its Western allies in decades. As Arctic geopolitics intensify, the issue is increasingly seen as a test of alliance unity, sovereignty, and the future balance of power in the region. (ANI)
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