Trump Says He ‘Won’t Use Force’ to Acquire Greenland
President Donald Trump took the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday and made one thing clear: the United States will not use military force to take over Greenland.
“That’s probably the biggest statement I made, because people thought I would use force,” Trump said, referencing earlier remarks where he refused to rule out the use of force in acquiring the Arctic island. “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”
He followed that up with a pointed message: “All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland.”
Trump’s reassurance comes after weeks of international speculation over whether his administration would pursue a military path to claim the island from Denmark. Top officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, had previously floated Greenland as a key component of Trump’s planned Golden Dome missile shield — a defense system aimed at neutralizing hypersonic missile threats from Russia or China.
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance, noting that the island sits in the path of potential Russian missile trajectories. “That’s possibly the most strategic piece of real estate in the entire planet,” he said. “Russia can attack us right over.” Van Orden also referenced a letter from General Gregory Guillot, the commander of U.S. Northern Command, urging integration of Greenland into NORAD defenses.
Still, Van Orden expressed reservations about a forceful takeover. “I have a hard time envisioning a world where we invade an ally,” he said. “Work with them, fine.”
Leaders in both Greenland and Denmark have remained firm. Greenlandic Premier Jens Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that the island is “not for sale.”
Trump’s earlier comments — and his threat of retaliatory tariffs — unsettled European leaders. Some EU officials even threatened to abandon a massive trade agreement negotiated with the United States last year.
But Trump allies insist his approach is pragmatic and patriotic. “President Trump is ‘America First’ — that doesn’t mean ‘America Alone,’” said Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.). “He’s letting them know where he thinks they need to be.”
Meuser criticized Europe’s response to the Greenland discussions. “Without discussing, without trying to work with the president, without trying to get it — come out and state that they’re opposing this, that he’s wrong, ‘not for sale’ … Guess what? Let’s see how you like this.”
“If you’re going to oppose us, we’re going to hit you with a 10% tariff, and I suggest that you come to the table,” Meuser warned. “He’s not only negotiating, he’s looking after American interests. And he’s not going to allow America to be pushed around anymore.”