U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday once again vowed to acquire Greenland, declaring the semiautonomous Danish territory to be “our territory” while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. His remarks have intensified diplomatic tensions with European allies and Canada, who have firmly rejected any suggestion of U.S. annexation.
Addressing global leaders and business executives, Trump argued that Greenland is vital to U.S. and international security, describing the vast Arctic island as strategically indispensable.
“We need it for strategic national security and international security,” Trump said. “This enormous unsecured island is actually part of North America on the northern frontier of the Western Hemisphere. That’s our territory.”
Trump also claimed the United States has historically received nothing in return for its support of NATO, suggesting Washington holds significant leverage.
“We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force where we would be, frankly, unstoppable,” he said, before adding that he did not want to use force. “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force. All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland.”
Throughout the speech, Trump repeatedly referred to Greenland as a “piece of ice,” arguing that U.S. control would enhance global security.
“We want a piece of ice for world protection,” he said, warning allies that refusal could have consequences. “You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no and we will remember.”
The comments came a day after several world leaders and longtime U.S. allies publicly repudiated Trump’s threats. Speaking at the same forum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a major foreign policy address, stating that “the old order is not coming back” and emphasizing the importance of international rules and sovereignty.
Tensions escalated further over the weekend when Trump announced plans to impose a 10 per cent import tax starting in February on goods from eight European countries that oppose a U.S. takeover of Greenland. Trump has not ruled out seizing the island by force, repeatedly citing “national security” concerns.
Asked at a White House press conference on Tuesday how far he would go to acquire Greenland, Trump responded curtly: “You’ll find out.”
The proposal has drawn swift condemnation from U.S. allies. European Council President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union’s response would be “unflinching, united and proportional.”
Canada also weighed in strongly. Carney said Ottawa “strongly opposes” tariffs imposed on countries resisting U.S. annexation efforts and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to NATO.
“On Arctic sovereignty, we stand firmly with Greenland and Denmark and fully support their unique right to determine Greenland’s future,” Carney said. “Our commitment to NATO’s Article 5 is unwavering.”
Denmark and Greenland’s own leadership have repeatedly stated that the island is not for sale, underscoring that any decision about its future rests solely with the people of Greenland.
