Trump Uses Davos Speech To Rule Out Military Force In Greenland

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump [R] said the United States “won’t use force” to take Greenland in his speech Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Trump said during his speech that he hadn’t planned to speak on Greenland. He then went on to say that he had “tremendous respect for the people of Greenland and the people of Denmark” but that every North Atlantic Treaty Organization member had an obligation to defend its own territory, and the only country equipped to defend Greenland was the United States.

Trump went on to say that the United States successfully defended Greenland from German occupation in World War II and said the U.S. shouldn’t have “returned” Greenland to Denmark after the war. Trump’s characterization of the U.S. role in Greenland during the Second World War is disputed; historical records show that Greenland was not occupied by Germany and remained under Danish administration, with U.S. military support.

Greenland’s location is important to many countries; its position between North America and the Arctic means it can monitor vessels in the region and act as an early warning system for missile strikes.

“We need it for strategic national security and international security,” Trump said. “This would not be a threat to NATO, it would greatly enhance the security of the entire alliance.”

Some world leaders have criticized Trump, alleging that he is interested in Greenland for its natural resources and as part of a broader belief that the United States should exert more control over the Western Hemisphere. Earlier this month, seven leaders issued a joint statement reaffirming NATO protection of Greenland.

“Greenland belongs to its people,” the statement said. “It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.”

Trump has long been critical of European NATO countries. European allies have since increased their military presence on the island.

The president has also discussed “buying” Greenland or paying individuals to renounce their land. On Saturday, Jan. 17, he threatened new retaliatory 10% tariffs—posted on Truth Social—on Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom for refusing to enter into discussions.

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