The US president delivered a combative speech at the World Economic Forum that mixed threats with assurances regarding his controversial plans for Greenland. Donald Trump told assembled world leaders he wants the Danish territory but won’t invade it, instead promising to use America’s economic might to achieve his territorial ambitions. His appearance in the Swiss ski resort highlighted deepening rifts between Washington and traditional European allies.
Trump’s justification for seeking Greenland centered on national security concerns, particularly the island’s strategic position between the United States, Russia, and China. He argued that only full ownership—not a lease or licensing agreement—would allow America to properly defend what he called an “enormous, unsecured island.” The president specifically mentioned plans for a missile defense shield named Golden Dome that would require permanent US control of Greenland to be effective.
European officials responded with a mixture of relief and continued concern. While welcoming Trump’s explicit rejection of military force, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stressed that Trump’s underlying objectives remain “intact” and present ongoing challenges. The cool reception from Copenhagen indicated that Denmark has no intention of surrendering its Arctic territory despite American pressure, though officials expressed willingness to engage in dialogue.
The tariff announcement and subsequent delay demonstrated Trump’s transactional approach to international relations. Originally threatening eight European nations with economic penalties over Greenland, he reversed course after claiming progress in talks with NATO leadership. Trump characterized the preliminary agreement as “fantastic for the USA” and getting “everything we wanted,” though neither Greenland nor Denmark confirmed involvement in these discussions, raising questions about the legitimacy of any framework deal.
Throughout his remarks, Trump criticized European countries for insufficient defense spending, mocked Denmark’s World War II performance against Germany, and suggested America receives inadequate appreciation for its NATO commitments. He also promoted fossil fuel use over renewable energy, attacked immigration policies, and boasted about his mixed German and Scottish heritage in overtly nationalist terms that unsettled many attendees.