Trump Revives Greenland Pursuit, Issues Stark Warnings to Allies at Davos 2026
A contentious push to acquire Greenland dominated President Donald Trump’s address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as he together lauded American economic strength and issued veiled threats to both NATO and canada.
President Trump declared he would forgo the use of military force to gain control of the autonomous Danish territory, but reiterated his demand for “ownership” of the strategically crucial island, calling for “immediate” negotiations. The issue has quickly become a central crisis overshadowing the annual gathering of global leaders.
“It’s the United States alone that can protect this giant mass of land, this giant piece of ice, develop it and improve it,” Trump stated, framing the potential acquisition as a matter of global security. He further asserted that the US possesses a unique capability, referencing a recent military operation in Venezuela – “I think they found that out two weeks ago” – as evidence of American power.
Despite this display of strength, Trump attempted to allay concerns about a forceful takeover. “we probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force where we would be, frankly, unstoppable, but I won’t do that,” he told the assembled business and political leaders. “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”
The President’s return to Davos marked a significant shift in tone, presenting a stark challenge to long-standing alliances. He delivered a clear ultimatum to Denmark: “You can say yes and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no and we will remember.” European leaders have reportedly been discussing potential economic retaliation, but Trump dismissed such threats, suggesting allies would suffer more from opposing his agenda.
Trump argued that US control of Greenland would enhance NATO security, even while criticizing the alliance as unfairly burdening the United States. “this would not be a threat to NATO. This would greatly enhance the security of the entire alliance,” he said. “The United States is treated very unfairly by NATO. We’ve given so much and we get so little in return.”
The address also included a pointed rebuke of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had received a standing ovation at the forum for advocating a new role for middle powers. Trump derided Carney’s remarks, stating, “I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn’t so grateful.” He then issued a blunt warning: “Canada lives as of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
[Image of Apple CEO Tim Cook, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde in the audience as Donald Trump addresses the World economic Forum, in davos, Switzerland, on Jan 21. (Photo: Reuters)]
Beyond Greenland, Trump used the platform to tout the success of his administration’s economic policies. “yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of my inauguration, and today, after 12 months back in the White House, our economy is booming,” he declared. He claimed “growth is exploding, productivity is surging, investment is soaring, incomes are rising,” and that “inflation has been defeated.”
He positioned his economic model as an example for Europe, warning that the continent’s current trajectory was failing to deliver for its citizens. “The USA is the economic engine on the planet and when America booms, the entire world booms,” Trump asserted. “I love Europe, and I want to see Europe do good, but it’s not heading in the right direction.”
The President’s forceful rhetoric and uncompromising demands signal a perhaps turbulent period for international relations, as the world watches to see how allies will respond to his renewed assertiveness.
