U.S. President Donald Trump reignited geopolitical debates this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, doubling down on his controversial proposal to acquire Greenland while delivering sharp critiques of European allies. The remarks came amid heightened scrutiny of transatlantic relations as global leaders gathered in Switzerland.
"We want a piece of ice for world protection, and they won't give it," Trump declared during his Wednesday address, dismissing Greenland's autonomy under the Kingdom of Denmark as a "small ask" for U.S. security interests. His comments followed renewed calls for "immediate negotiations" to acquire the Arctic territory, despite repeated rejections from Copenhagen and Nuuk.
The proposal drew swift responses from NATO partners, with some alliance members warning the move could destabilize military cooperation. Danish officials have instead proposed expanded U.S. access to existing Greenlandic facilities, while maintaining the territory's current political status.
Trump also targeted French President Emmanuel Macron's environmental policies, mocking European wind energy initiatives as economically burdensome. The criticism followed Macron's earlier warning against "subordinate[ing] Europe" to U.S. demands, particularly regarding trade tariffs affecting eight EU nations.
Despite asserting American military dominance ("we would be frankly unstoppable"), Trump claimed force would not be used in Greenland negotiations. The remarks come as analysts debate the long-term implications for Arctic governance and U.S.-European relations.
