Trump Rules Out Force in Greenland Bid, Calls U.S. Only Country Able to Secure Territory

DAVOS, Switzerland: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would not use force to acquire Greenland, describing the issue as a “small ask” over a “piece of ice,” but insisted that no other nation could secure the Danish territory.

“People thought I would use force, but I don’t have to use force,” Trump said during a speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos. “I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”

Trump framed the potential acquisition as strategic rather than confrontational, arguing it posed no threat to NATO, the alliance that includes both Denmark and the United States.

“No nation or group of nations is in any position to be able to secure Greenland other than the United States,” he asserted, adding that he was seeking “immediate negotiations” to discuss Greenland’s acquisition.

The remarks come amid growing tensions with European leaders, who have expressed concern that Trump’s Greenland strategy could destabilize NATO. Denmark and Greenland have offered various options for increasing U.S. presence on the island, home to roughly 57,000 people.

“We want a piece of ice for world protection, and they won’t give it,” Trump said.

Read More: CM Bugti says missing persons issue permanently resolved in Balochistan

Trump also targeted Canada during his speech, responding to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s warning about a potential rupture in the US-led global system. “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements,” he said, earning attention from the Davos audience.

Turning to Ukraine, Trump said he would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss ending the conflict with Russia. He criticized NATO’s involvement, saying Washington had “nothing to do with it” and emphasizing that he was dealing directly with President Putin and Zelensky.

Zelensky has not confirmed plans to attend Davos, citing domestic challenges including blackouts and heating outages caused by Russian strikes.

Trump’s speech at the WEF, traditionally a forum for global economic dialogue, highlighted his unorthodox approach to diplomacy, blending economic commentary with high-profile geopolitical statements.