Trump Rules Out Force in Greenland Bid, Calls for "Immediate Negotiations"

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND — January 21, 2026

In an address to the World Economic Forum today, President Donald Trump clarified his administration's stance on the escalating "Greenland Crisis," explicitly ruling out the use of military force to take control of the island while simultaneously intensifying demands for its acquisition.

Key Statements from the Davos Address

During his hour-long speech, the President addressed international concerns that the U.S. might use its military to seize the Danish territory—a fear fueled by recent U.S. operations in Venezuela and Trump's own refusal to rule out force in previous interviews.

• Rule Out Force: "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 stated, marking the first time his administration has formally closed the door on a military annexation.

• The "Unstoppable" Caveat: He added that while the U.S. would be "frankly, unstoppable" if it chose to use "excessive strength," he has decided against it.

• Demand for Ownership: Despite ruling out force, the President insisted that the U.S. requires full "ownership" of the island rather than a lease or license, arguing that a lease is legally and psychologically "indefensible."

Strategic and Economic Pressures

The President's shift in rhetoric follows a week of extreme economic and diplomatic friction:

1. Tariff Threats: Trump recently threatened eight European allies with 10% tariffs if they failed to support a deal for the U.S. to purchase Greenland. This move caused a significant dip in U.S. stock markets on Tuesday.

2. The "Golden Dome": Trump linked the acquisition to his "Golden Dome" missile defense project, claiming Greenland is geographically essential to protecting North America from "dangerous potential enemies."

3. Historical Grievances: He labeled Denmark "ungrateful" for U.S. protection during World War II, wrongly claiming that the U.S. "gave Greenland back" to Denmark after the war (the U.S. occupied the island for defense purposes but never owned it).

International Response

The "Greenland is not for sale" sentiment remains firm among Danish and Greenlandic leaders.

• European Solidarity: European Union leaders have discussed activating the "EU Anti-Coercion Instrument" in response to Trump's tariff threats.

• NATO Tensions: While Trump claimed acquisition would "enhance" NATO, European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron have condemned the push as a "new imperialism."

• Public Opinion: Recent polling shows that while the President is determined, only a small fraction of the American public (roughly 8-17%) supports a forced or military-led acquisition of the island.

Outlook

Trump concluded his remarks with a veiled warning to the Danish government: "You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember." He is expected to continue these discussions in meetings with world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, later this week.