Highlights:
-
Trump reiterates interest in acquiring Greenland during the World Economic Forum in Davos
-
European governments, including Denmark, reject any proposal to transfer sovereignty
-
Trump refuses to detail his approach, responding to questions with “You’ll find out”
-
Protests take place in Copenhagen and Nuuk against US intentions
- Advertisement - -
Dispute raises concerns about NATO unity and US–Europe relations
President Donald Trump arrived in Davos this week with Greenland firmly at the center of his foreign policy agenda, renewing a proposal that has already triggered strong opposition across Europe. Speaking ahead of the World Economic Forum, Trump made clear that his administration remains determined to pursue control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, despite repeated rejections from European allies.
Trump reached the Swiss mountain resort on Wednesday (21) following a delay of around three hours caused by a minor aircraft issue. Once on the ground, however, the president quickly returned attention to Greenland, signaling that the issue would be a major focus of his interactions with global political and business leaders attending the forum.
Trump brings Greenland dispute to Davos stage
The Greenland issue has emerged as one of the most contentious foreign policy debates of Trump’s second term. The president has framed the territory as strategically vital to US national security, citing its location in the Arctic and proximity to Russia and China. Greenland is also home to key US military installations, which Washington has long considered critical to Arctic defense.
At a news conference on Tuesday (20), Trump declined to outline specific steps his administration might take to acquire the territory. When asked directly how far he was prepared to go, he responded: “You’ll find out.” The remark, quoted repeatedly across international media, has intensified diplomatic tensions and fueled uncertainty among US allies.
Trump faces firm European resistance
European governments have been quick to restate their opposition. Denmark, a NATO ally and the sovereign state responsible for Greenland’s foreign affairs, has repeatedly emphasized that the territory is not for sale. Danish officials have said that Greenland’s status can only be determined by its people and that any discussion of acquisition by another country is unacceptable.
European leaders attending Davos have used both public forums and private meetings to coordinate their response. According to multiple reports, officials from France and other NATO member states are calling for a unified European position that focuses on cooperation in the Arctic rather than unilateral action by the United States.
The issue has also spilled into broader discussions about trade and security. Trump has warned that European countries opposing his Greenland policy could face significant US tariffs. Canada’s prime minister, who is also attending the forum, rejected the idea of such measures and stressed the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic partnerships.
Trump and Greenland protests highlight public opposition
Opposition to Trump’s Greenland proposal is not limited to diplomatic channels. Demonstrations have taken place in Denmark and Greenland itself, reflecting public resistance to the idea. In Copenhagen and in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, thousands of protesters have gathered in recent days, chanting slogans such as “Greenland is not for sale.”
Local leaders in Greenland have also voiced concerns about autonomy and self-determination. While the territory maintains close ties with Denmark, it governs many of its internal affairs, and public opinion there has shown little support for any transfer of control to another country.
Trump frames Greenland as security priority
Trump and senior members of his administration continue to argue that Greenland’s strategic value outweighs diplomatic objections. They point to increased military activity in the Arctic and growing interest from Russia and China as justification for a stronger US presence and control.
Administration officials describe the proposal as a defense-driven initiative rather than an economic or political maneuver. Critics, however, both in Europe and within the United States, have questioned this rationale. Some analysts suggest the move could be motivated by Trump’s desire to secure a lasting legacy through territorial expansion, rather than by immediate security needs.
Trump’s stance raises questions for NATO and alliances
The Greenland dispute comes at a time when relations between the United States and Europe are already under strain from disagreements over trade, defense spending, and responses to global conflicts. Analysts warn that continued pressure from Washington could test NATO cohesion and complicate coordination on Arctic security.
Trump is expected to reference Greenland during his address to World Economic Forum participants, potentially using the global platform to reinforce his position. Whether this leads to formal negotiations or deeper diplomatic rifts remains uncertain.
As Trump continues meetings in Davos, allies and critics are closely watching how his administration balances its stated security objectives with the potential costs to long-standing partnerships. For now, the president’s brief response, “You’ll find out,” has left both supporters and opponents seeking clarity on what comes next for US policy toward Greenland.
