President Donald Trump, talking Wednesday on the World Financial Discussion board in Davos, Switzerland amid heightened tensions with Europe, notably dominated out utilizing army pressure to accumulate Greenland.
“We in all probability will not get something until I determine to make use of extreme energy and pressure the place we might be, frankly, unstoppable. However I will not do this,” Trump mentioned.
“Now everybody’s saying, ‘Oh, good.’ That is in all probability the most important assertion I made, as a result of folks thought I’d use pressure,” Trump mentioned. “I haven’t got to make use of pressure. I do not wish to use pressure. I will not use pressure.”
Nonetheless, Trump argued no different nation can defend Greenland however the USA and mentioned he’s searching for “instant negotiations” to debate his intention to take over the Danish territory.
“I’ve great respect for each the folks of Greenland and the folks of Denmark, great respect. However each NATO ally has an obligation to have the ability to defend their very own territory, and the very fact is, no nation or group of countries is in any place to have the ability to safe Greenland aside from the USA. We’re a terrific energy,” Trump mentioned.
Donald Trump delivers a particular handle in the course of the World Financial Discussion board (WEF) annual assembly in Davos on January 21, 2026.
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP by way of Getty Photos
Regardless of ruling out using pressure, Trump issued a warning to NATO allies that oppose his Greenland push.
“We would like a bit of ice for world safety, they usually will not give it. We have by no means requested for the rest … So, they’ve a selection. You possibly can say sure and we shall be very appreciative, or you may say no and we’ll keep in mind,” Trump mentioned.
Days earlier than touring to Davos, Trump announced new tariffs on eight European nations over their obstinance on the difficulty. A ten% tariff fee towards these nations is about to enter impact on Feb. 1. The levies would then improve to 25% on June 1, till the U.S. is ready to buy Greenland, based on the president.
“It is the USA alone that may shield this large, huge land, this large piece of ice, develop it and enhance it and make it in order that it is good for Europe and secure for Europe and good for us,” Trump mentioned on Wednesday.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jared Kushner attend the 56th annual World Financial Discussion board in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2026.
Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
When requested what sort of deal he envisions between the U.S. and Denmark, Trump mentioned it was costing Denmark “a whole lot of hundreds of thousands a yr” to run Greenland and that U.S. management will bolster Greenland’s safety from nations like Russia and China.
“It is crucial that we use that for nationwide and worldwide safety. That may create an influence that may make it unimaginable for the unhealthy guys to do something towards the perceived good ones,” Trump mentioned. He added, “We are going to see what occurs.”
Danish and Greenlandic officers have flatly rejected Trump’s proposal to purchase the island.
Individuals stroll previous an indication positioned on a avenue in Nuuk, Greenland, January 20, 2026.
Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix by way of Reuters
A number of NATO allies also condemned Trump’s Greenland push, together with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, forward of his speech at Davos. Final week, a number of European nations sent small contingents of troops to Greenland for workout routines.
Trump in latest days has repeatedly sidestepped questions on whether or not he’s prepared to see the breakup of the NATO alliance with a view to purchase Greenland.
Trump on Wednesday mentioned NATO has handled the U.S. “very unfairly” and claimed that NATO nations wouldn’t come to America’s protection, ignoring the truth that Denmark, specifically, fought alongside the U.S. after the 2001 terror assaults as a result of the nation is an American ally.
“The issue with NATO is that we’ll be there for them 100% however I’m unsure that they’d be there for us,” Trump mentioned.
“All we’re asking for is to get Greenland, together with proper, title and possession, since you want the possession to defend it. You possibly can’t defend it on a lease. No. 1, legally it is not defensible that manner, completely. And No. 2, psychologically, who the hell desires to defend a license settlement or a lease which is a big piece of ice in the midst of the ocean, the place, if there’s a struggle, a lot of the motion will happen on that piece of ice,” Trump mentioned.
