He's Ruling Out Force, but Not the Ultimatum: Trump Greenland Davos Speech 2026

The threat of military action is off the table, but the diplomatic pressure is reaching a boiling point. On January 21, 2026, US President Donald Trump utilized his platform at the World Economic Forum in Davos to demand immediate negotiations for the acquisition of Greenland, framing the island's annexation as a non-negotiable pillar of American national security.

Trump Greenland Davos Speech 2026: Security Over Sovereignty

In an address lasting over one hour, Trump insisted that the United States is the only power capable of protecting the Arctic territory. While he explicitly stated he wouldn't use force, his message to Denmark was clear: compliance would be rewarded, while a refusal would be 'remembered.' He tied the fate of the island directly to the strength of NATO, signaling a shift in how the US views its commitments to European allies.

European Unity vs. American Pressure

European leaders, including those from the UK, France, and Denmark, have formed a united front against the acquisition. Despite Trump's earlier threats of imposing tariffs over the dispute, these nations remain firm in defending Greenland's autonomous status.

Adding a touch of controversy to the speech, Trump appeared to repeatedly mistake Greenland for Iceland. Christine Nissen from the Europa think tank suggested to Al Jazeera that while the pivot away from force might seem like a de-escalation, it has actually unified Europe in a way rarely seen before, as they reconsider their structural dependence on Washington.