US President Donald Trump has intensified his push to take control of Greenland, calling it “imperative” for the US and doubling down on threats ahead of his Davos visit. Asked how far he would go, he said, “You’ll find out,” citing Greenland’s strategic importance. World leaders expressed concern, with French President Macron warning of a “shift towards a world without rules” and Canadian Prime Minister Carney saying the “old order is not coming back.”
Air Force One Delay and Trump’s Davos Schedule
Trump was scheduled to arrive in Davos on Wednesday, but a minor electrical issue on Air Force One forced the plane to turn back. The White House said he would travel on a different aircraft, though it was unclear how the delay would affect his schedule.
Despite the setback, Trump told reporters that “a lot of meetings [are] scheduled on Greenland” and that “things are going to work out pretty well” on the island. He emphasized that Greenland is strategically important and defended his plans as not harmful to NATO. “Nobody has done more for NATO than I have, in every way,” he said, adding that both the US and the alliance would benefit from his Greenland strategy.
At the same time, Trump questioned whether NATO would aid the US if needed, saying, “I know we’ll come to [NATO’s] rescue, but I just really do question whether or not they’ll come to ours.” NATO, which includes 32 member states and was founded by 12 countries including the US, is built on Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all.
During a Davos media session, Trump highlighted that his discussions with European leaders would focus on Greenland and global security, indicating that the island would dominate his agenda at the forum.
Global Reactions and Greenland’s Response
Trump has not ruled out using military force to acquire Greenland. When NBC News asked about the possibility, he responded, “no comment.”
Greenland’s own leadership expressed confusion and concern over the US president’s demands. In an interview, Greenland’s Minister of Industry and Natural Resources, Naaja Nathanielsen, said Trump’s proposals bewildered Greenlanders. She added, “We do not want to be Americans, and we have been quite clear about that. What value do you put on our culture and our right to decide what happens with us in the future?”
European leaders also reacted strongly. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized that Europe fully commits to Arctic security but insisted that countries must achieve it collaboratively. She criticized Trump’s plan to impose additional tariffs on European countries as “a mistake”, underscoring that Greenland’s sovereignty is “non-negotiable.”
Denmark bolsters Greenland security with military deployment amid Arctic and NATO tensions
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed von der Leyen’s remarks, affirming that Canada stands “firmly with Greenland and Denmark” and fully supports their right to determine Greenland’s future.
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his disapproval, saying he prefers “respect to bullies” and the “rule of law to brutality.” Trump had previously threatened a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne after Macron reportedly declined an invitation to join a Gaza “Board of Peace.” Macron called the growing US tariffs “fundamentally unacceptable,” especially when the US uses them to pressure countries over territorial sovereignty.
US Arctic Plans Take Center Stage in Davos
Ahead of Davos, Trump shared screenshots of text messages from Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Macron’s message reportedly stated he “does not understand what you are doing” but offered to arrange a meeting with other leaders in Paris. Rutte expressed his commitment to finding a way forward on Greenland.
Sources from the European Parliament indicate that they may suspend approval of a US trade deal agreed upon in July, a move that could escalate tensions further between the US and Europe. Some EU officials are also considering retaliatory measures, including the anti-coercion instrument known as the “trade bazooka.”
Trump criticises UK over Chagos deal and says move supports case for US role in Greenland
As the debate over Greenland continues, Trump has reiterated his belief that the island is crucial for world security. He told reporters during Davos discussions that the US must secure Greenland for strategic purposes, a comment that drew mixed reactions from attendees.
The situation has drawn attention not only to US-Arctic ambitions but also to broader questions about international rules, alliances, and the sovereignty of smaller nations. During his Davos visit, Trump plans to meet multiple European leaders to discuss Greenland and other Arctic security matters.