U.S. President Donald Trump addressed world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, opening with a mix of levity and critique. He began by noting the audience included “so many friends, a few enemies,” prompting laughter in the auditorium.
Trump praised the U.S. economy, calling it “the economic engine on the planet,” adding, “You all follow us down and you follow us up.” He lamented that parts of Europe are “not recognizable frankly anymore” and said the continent is “not heading in the right direction,” attributing its struggles to green energy policies and mass migration, without citing evidence.
Turning to Greenland, Trump joked about whether to address the topic: “I was going to leave it out of the speech but I think I would have been reviewed very negatively.” He criticized Denmark for being “too weak to protect Greenland,” and emphasized the island’s strategic importance.
Trump called for immediate negotiations toward a deal to acquire Greenland, adding that he would not use force in his campaign for the northern island. “I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again to discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States,” he told world leaders gathered in Davos, Switzerland.
“All I am asking for is a piece of ice, cold and poorly located that can play a vital role in world peace and world protection. It’s a very small ask compared to what we have given them for many many decades. But the problem with NATO is that we will be there for them 100% but I am not sure they will be there for us.”
“We need it for strategic national security and international security,” Trump said. “This enormous unsecured island is actually part of North America. That’s our territory.” He added that no country other than the United States could secure Greenland and said he was seeking immediate negotiations to discuss its acquisition. Trump emphasized the importance of acquiring Greenland by stating that it would be beneficial for NATO, “A strong and secure America is a strong and secure NATO.”
“All we’re asking for is to get Greenland, including right title and ownership, because you need the ownership to defend it. You can’t defend it on a lease,” Trump said.
“Who the hell wants to defend a license agreement or a lease, which is a large piece of ice in the middle of the ocean, where if there is a war, much of the action will take place on that piece of ice. Think of it, those missiles will be flying right over the center of that piece of ice.”
Responding to concerns over the use of force, Trump said he would not resort to military action. While claiming the United States would be “unstoppable” if it chose to use force, he stressed that he did not want to and would not do so. “That’s probably the biggest statement I made because people thought I would use force. I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”
Trump also rejected suggestions that U.S. control of Greenland would undermine NATO, saying it would instead strengthen the alliance’s security.
