U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will not use military force to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, but maintained that the United States must still assume ownership of the vast Arctic landmass.
Speaking on Wednesday during a special address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Trump sought to calm international concerns that Washington might resort to coercion in its renewed interest in Greenland.
“We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be, frankly, unstoppable — but I won’t do that,” Trump told world leaders at the summit. “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”
He described his remarks as a significant reassurance, noting that many observers had feared the United States could attempt to seize the territory through military means.
Despite ruling out force, the U.S. president strongly reiterated his desire for Greenland to come under American control, calling for “immediate” negotiations with Denmark. Trump argued that the United States is uniquely positioned to protect, develop and strategically manage the Arctic territory.
“It’s the United States alone that can protect this giant mass of land, this giant piece of ice, develop it and improve it,” he said. “That’s the reason I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States.”
Greenland, which is rich in natural resources and holds growing strategic importance due to climate change and Arctic shipping routes, remains an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and a part of the NATO alliance.
Trump’s renewed push is likely to intensify diplomatic discussions between Washington and Copenhagen, as well as raise broader questions among U.S. allies about security, sovereignty and influence in the Arctic region.
Trump Rules Out Force, Pushes Immediate Talks on Greenland Acquisition at Davos
