At Davos, Trump Renews Greenland Claim, Says US Will ‘Remember’ If Denmark Says No

US President Donald Trump reignited global controversy during his much-anticipated address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, doubling down on his long-standing claim over Greenland while stopping short of explicitly threatening military action.

Calling Greenland “our territory,” Trump said the United States wants to acquire the Arctic island but would not resort to force. However, his remarks carried an unmistakable warning. “You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember,” he said, drawing a mixed reaction from the audience.

Trump opened his speech with a characteristic jab, saying he was pleased to be in “beautiful Davos” among “so many friends, business leaders, and a few enemies.” He went on to praise what he described as America’s progress under his leadership, while sharply criticising Europe, stating it was not moving in the “right direction.”

Referring to Greenland as a “big, beautiful piece of ice,” Trump argued that only the United States is capable of defending the strategically located territory. He criticised Denmark for regaining control of Greenland after World War II, calling the decision “stupid” and accusing Copenhagen of ingratitude despite American wartime support.

“I have tremendous respect for the people of Greenland and Denmark,” Trump said, before asserting that no nation or alliance other than the US could secure the island. He cited America’s global power, even referencing the recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, as evidence of US dominance.

Recalling World War II, Trump claimed Denmark fell to Germany in six hours, forcing the US to step in. “We set up bases in Greenland, fought to protect it, and saved it for Denmark,” he said, adding controversially that without the US, “you’d all be speaking German, and maybe a little Japanese.”

Questioning the post-war return of Greenland to Denmark, Trump asked, “How stupid were we to do that? And how ungrateful are they now?”

He described Greenland as a largely uninhabited and under-defended territory in a critical location between the US, Russia and China, stressing that its importance lies in national and global security rather than mineral wealth.

“This enormous island is part of North America. That makes it a core security interest of the United States,” Trump declared.

While calling for immediate negotiations, Trump insisted that acquiring Greenland would strengthen NATO, not weaken it. He oscillated between reassurance and menace, saying he had no intention of using force—before later reiterating his warning that refusal would have consequences.

Although US markets reacted positively to Trump’s claim that force would not be used, tensions with the European Union remain high. Earlier in the day, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the EU could activate its Anti-Coercion Instrument in response to what he described as unnecessary US aggression.