U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States will not use military force in its efforts to acquire Greenland, attempting to ease concerns among European allies amid growing tensions over his controversial proposal.
Speaking on Wednesday at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Trump dismissed speculation that Washington might resort to coercion or military action to take control of the Danish territory.
“People thought I would use force, but I don’t have to use force,” Trump told an audience of political and business leaders. “I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”
Greenland Push Tied to Arctic Security
Trump linked his interest in Greenland to what he described as urgent global security concerns in the Arctic region. He argued that no other country—or group of countries—is capable of defending the strategically located island as effectively as the United States.
“No nation or group of nations is in any position to be able to secure Greenland other than the United States,” Trump said.
“I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States.”
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark with a population of around 57,000 people, sits at a key geopolitical crossroads as Arctic ice melts and competition increases among global powers, including Russia and China.
Transatlantic Tensions Overshadow Davos Speech
Trump’s remarks came during a closely watched economic address that was largely overshadowed by strained relations between the United States and Europe. His renewed push to acquire Greenland has unsettled NATO allies, particularly Denmark, which is both a NATO member and Greenland’s sovereign authority.
Despite these concerns, Trump downplayed the issue, describing the potential acquisition as a “small ask” and referring to Greenland dismissively as “a piece of ice.”
“We want a piece of ice for world protection, and they won’t give it,” he said, drawing a mix of laughter and unease from the audience.
Trump also insisted that U.S. ownership of Greenland would pose no threat to NATO, an alliance he has frequently criticized but also claims to have strengthened.
NATO Leaders Voice Alarm
Several NATO officials and European leaders have warned that Trump’s Greenland strategy could seriously disrupt the alliance. They fear it could undermine trust, weaken collective security commitments, and set a dangerous precedent among allies.
In response, leaders in Denmark and Greenland have offered alternative proposals, including expanding U.S. military access, investment, and cooperation on the island—without transferring sovereignty.
Trump, who marked the end of a turbulent first year back in office on Tuesday, is expected to continue dominating discussions at Davos, where global elites gather to debate economic risks, geopolitical instability, and the future of international cooperation.
A Familiar Trump Strategy
Analysts note that Trump’s approach reflects a familiar pattern: making bold, provocative demands, then reframing them as negotiation tactics rather than concrete threats.
While his pledge not to use force may calm immediate fears, uncertainty remains over how far he is willing to push the issue—and how Europe will respond if diplomatic pressure continues.
As one diplomat attending Davos privately noted, “The concern isn’t tanks or troops. It’s what happens to alliances when trust starts to melt faster than the Arctic ice.”
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