Trump Presses Greenland Bid, Warns Allies in Combative Davos Speech

President Donald Trump used a defiant address at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday to press his most explicit case yet for U.S. ownership of Greenland, while warning allies that American protection and economic power should not be taken for granted.

Calling for “immediate negotiations” with Denmark, Trump said Greenland was vital to U.S. and global security and argued that only full American ownership could ensure its defense. He said he would not use military force but paired that assurance with a warning, saying Denmark could agree voluntarily or face consequences.

Trump’s remarks strained relations with NATO allies, many of whom have rejected any suggestion that Greenland could be transferred. Denmark and several European partners have recently increased their military presence on the island.

Throughout the speech, Trump emphasized a transactional approach to foreign policy, boasting of forcing NATO members to raise defense spending while questioning whether they would defend the United States in return. He sharply criticized Europe over migration, environmental policies, and economic management, urging countries to follow U.S. policies or risk tariffs and trade penalties.

Trump also touted what he called a dramatic U.S. economic turnaround since his return to office, claiming inflation had been defeated, borders secured, and growth accelerated, while attacking former President Joe Biden.

European leaders responded with thinly veiled criticism, warning against coercion and the erosion of the rules-based international order. Trump dismissed those concerns, singling out allied leaders and reiterating that American power, unapologetically applied, was the foundation of global stability.

The address underscored Trump’s willingness to pressure allies as aggressively as rivals, signaling a more confrontational phase in U.S. relations with Europe.