US President Donald Trump has said he will not use military force to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, but maintained that the United States must still have “ownership” of the strategically located Arctic island.
Speaking to world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, Trump sought to allay fears that Washington could resort to force, even as he doubled down on his long-standing interest in acquiring the territory.
“I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,” Trump said, adding that while the US would be “unstoppable” if it chose that path, he had no intention of doing so.
His remarks come amid growing unease among European leaders over his renewed bid to assert US control over Greenland, a move critics say could strain transatlantic relations. Trump argued that his statement ruling out military action was significant, noting that many had assumed he would pursue the goal aggressively.
Trump’s arrival in Davos was briefly delayed after a “minor electrical issue” forced his presidential jet to turn back shortly after takeoff. Even before landing in Switzerland, he had mocked European leaders over their opposition to his Greenland stance.
At the summit, European officials closed ranks against the US president’s comments. French President Emmanuel Macron warned against yielding to “bullies,” while Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney cautioned that Trump’s posture could lead to a “rupture, not a transition” in the US-led global order.
The unified response drew a rebuke from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who urged European leaders to “take a deep breath,” suggesting the rhetoric should not be overinterpreted.