US President Donald Trump said that America is seeking talks to discuss the acquisition of Greenland, and ruled out the use of military force to take the country during his remarks at the Davos WEF on Wednesday.
“It’s the United States alone that can protect this giant mass of land, this giant piece of ice, develop it and improve it and make it so that it’s good for Europe and safe for Europe and good for us,” Trump said.
“And that’s the reason I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States, just as we have acquired many other territories throughout our history, as many of the European nations have.”
He downplayed the issue as a "small ask" over a "piece of ice," and said an acquisition would pose no threat to the NATO alliance, which includes Denmark and the United States.
“This would not be a threat to NATO. This would greatly enhance the security of the entire alliance, the NATO alliance,” he said. "We want a piece of ice for world protection, and they won't give it."
Trump rules out use of force to take over Greenland
The president then ruled out the excessive use of force to take Greenland.
“We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be, frankly, unstoppable,” Trump said. “But I won’t do that. 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."
Notably, several European leaders expressed their concern that Trump's desire to acquire Greenland would lead to war between the US and the European Union.
“All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland," Trump said, noting that he believes that would mean full US ownership of the currently autonomous region of Denmark.
“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.”
After Trump's remarks, the EU announced that it was pausing its trade deal with the US. The chairman of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, Bernd Lange, noted that Europe's "sovereignty & territorial integrity are at stake," and that "business as usual is impossible" with Trump's trade deal.
Trump leaves for Denmark amid Greenland tensions
The president left the US on Tuesday for Davos, Switzerland, to attend the annual World Economic Forum, which begins this week.
Within the first hours of the flight, reports surfaced that his plane, Air Force One, had turned around, and the White House assured that this was due to a minor electrical issue.
Air Force One returns to base
"After takeoff, the AF1 crew identified a minor electrical issue. Out of an abundance of caution, AF1 is returning to Joint Base Andrews. The President and team will board a different aircraft and continue on to Switzerland," the White House said through the Rapid Response account.
According to a Reuters report, Trump and his team landed safely at Joint Base Andrews and switched planes to continue their journey to Davos.
Trump expected about three hours late to Davos, Bessent says
US President Donald Trump will likely arrive at the World Economic Forum in Davos about three hours late, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday.
"I believe President Trump is going to be about three hours late," Bessent said in response to a question about a delay to Air Force One.
Trump is scheduled to address world leaders in Davos later in the day.