US President Donald Trump has reignited plans to acquire Greenland, calling the icy island a “core national security interest” vital for protecting America and strengthening global security, during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday.
Trump described Greenland as “this enormous, unsecured island” and insisted the move was necessary beyond its natural resources. “That’s not the reason we need it. We need it for strategic national security and international security,” he said.
He framed the island as a core American security interest, saying, “It’s our territory. It is therefore a core national security interest of the United States of America, and in fact, it’s been our policy for hundreds of years to prevent outside threats from entering our waters.”
Trump criticised Denmark’s defence spending on Greenland, noting, “In 2019, Denmark said that they would spend over $200 million to strengthen Greenland’s defenses. But as you know, they spent less than 1% of that amount. 1% is no sign of Denmark there. And I say that with great respect for Denmark, whose people I love, whose leaders are very good.”
The US president argued that America alone could secure and develop Greenland effectively, asserting, “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.”
He said the United States was seeking “immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland,” framing it as a continuation of historical US policy. Trump also sought to reassure global partners, adding, “This would not be a threat to NATO. This would greatly enhance the security of the entire alliance.”
Trump linked Greenland’s strategic value to broader US defence and global stability, highlighting the country’s strengthened military capabilities. “After I rebuilt the military in my first term and continue to do so today, we have a budget of $1.5 trillion. We are bringing back battleships…100 times more powerful than the big battleships of the past,” he said.
On concerns about using force, Trump said, “I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force. All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland.”
He concluded that legal ownership was essential for defence. “You can’t defend it or at least, number one, legally it’s not defensible that way. Totally. And number two, psychologically, who the hell wants to defend a license agreement, which is a large piece of ice in the middle of the ocean where, if there is a war, much of the action will take place on that piece of ice.”
The president’s remarks reaffirmed his long-standing stance on Greenland, linking territorial control to national security, NATO contributions, and US influence on the global stage.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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