Trump Seeks Negotiations to Acquire Greenland, Rules Out Use of Force at Davos

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) = President Donald Trump said the United States is pursuing negotiations to acquire Greenland while ruling out the use of military force, framing the controversial proposal as a necessary security measure rather than an economic or mineral-driven ambition.

Speaking for more than an hour at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump argued that only the United States has the capability to defend the strategically located Arctic territory, which is governed by Denmark. He described Greenland as sitting vulnerable between the U.S. and adversaries such as Russia and China, calling its current status a security liability.

“I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States,” Trump said, stressing that his administration would not use force to achieve that goal. “I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”

Trump dismissed claims that the proposal threatens NATO unity, insisting instead that U.S. ownership would strengthen the alliance. He also downplayed the scope of the request, referring to Greenland as “a piece of ice” vital for global defense. The president reiterated his long-standing view that ownership — not leasing arrangements — is essential for national security, arguing that the U.S. cannot adequately defend territory it does not own.

Throughout the speech, Trump repeatedly referenced World War II, asserting that Denmark was unable to defend Greenland during the Nazi occupation and that American intervention ultimately secured the region. “Without us, you’d all be speaking German and a little Japanese, perhaps,” he said, adding that history is “repeating itself.”

Trump also said Greenland would play a role in a future U.S. missile-defense shield, describing plans for an expansive “Iron Dome-style” system to counter emerging threats. He pointed to the long-standing U.S. military presence at Pituffik Space Base as evidence of America’s central role in Arctic defense.

The address came amid heightened tensions between Washington and European leaders, many of whom expressed alarm over Trump’s remarks. Emmanuel Macron and other European officials reportedly discussed a coordinated response on the sidelines of the forum. Following Trump’s speech, European Union officials announced a pause in trade negotiations with the U.S., citing concerns over sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Trump maintained that his proposal was a post-World War II “course correction,” claiming the U.S. effectively returned Greenland to European control after defeating the Axis powers. “We gave it back,” he said. “Ownership is paramount.”

Markets appeared unfazed by the controversy, with U.S. stocks opening higher during Trump’s remarks and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising about 1 percent in mid-morning trading.

The president’s comments were followed by a discussion with World Economic Forum CEO Børge Brende, where Trump again emphasized that negotiations — not force — would define his approach. Still, he acknowledged that the proposal has triggered backlash in Congress, with some Republicans warning of strain on NATO and Democrats calling the plan a distraction from domestic priorities.

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