United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday ruled out the use of military force to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory under Denmark, but maintained that Washington must still secure what he described as ownership of the strategically important Arctic island.
Trump made the remarks while addressing world leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, amid growing international unease over his renewed interest in Greenland and its implications for transatlantic relations.
I 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, Trump said. I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”
The US president suggested that his comments were intended to reassure critics who feared a more aggressive approach, adding that speculation about military action had been exaggerated.
Trump’s appearance in Davos comes against the backdrop of rising diplomatic tensions between Washington and several European allies over Greenland, which is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and a long-standing US ally.
The issue has threatened to strain the transatlantic alliance, with European leaders pushing back strongly against what they see as an expansionist posture from Washington.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the summit, pledged to stand firm against what he described as intimidation, while Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, warned that such moves could lead to a rupture, not a transition in the existing US-led global order.
European unity on the matter drew a sharp response from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who urged leaders on the continent to take a deep breath and lower tensions.
Trump’s arrival in Davos was briefly delayed after a minor electrical issue forced his presidential aircraft to turn back shortly after takeoff.
He later arrived at the Swiss resort town, where his presence has dominated discussions among political and business leaders.
Greenland has assumed increasing geopolitical importance due to its vast mineral resources, strategic Arctic location and growing relevance to global security and climate-driven changes in Arctic shipping routes.
The United States already maintains a military presence on the island, which plays a key role in missile defense and Arctic surveillance.
Despite Trump’s assurance that force is not an option, analysts say his insistence on US ownership of Greenland continues to raise concerns among allies and could further complicate relations between Washington, Copenhagen and the wider NATO alliance.
As deliberations continue in Davos, Trump’s remarks are expected to remain a central focus of debate, with global leaders closely watching how the United States balances its strategic ambitions with long-standing diplomatic norms.
