Trump Pushes Greenland Acquisition at Davos, Calls Return to Denmark ‘A Mistake’

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‎Speaking at Davos, Trump said he was asking for “Greenland and all the property rights to protect it,” and described the island’s return to Denmark after World War II as a “stupid decision.” He framed the issue as one of security rather than expansion, repeatedly stressing Greenland’s military and geopolitical importance.

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‎Trump said Greenland is a vast, largely unguarded territory that is effectively part of North America and should fall under U.S. protection. He claimed the United States saved the island during World War II after Denmark fell to Nazi Germany within hours, arguing that American intervention prevented Greenland from coming under German and Japanese influence.

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‎“Without the protection of the United States, Greenlanders would now be speaking German and a little Japanese,” Trump said, reinforcing his view that U.S. involvement has been decisive in the island’s modern history.

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‎While stating that he respects the people of Greenland and Denmark, Trump insisted that only the United States has the capacity to defend the island. He also announced plans to build what he called the largest “Golden Dome” missile and air defense system on Greenland, saying it would strengthen security not only for the U.S. but also for Canada and NATO.

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‎Trump added that NATO allies “owe the United States a lot,” and suggested that Greenland would play a central role in future Western defense architecture.

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‎The remarks are likely to inflame tensions with Denmark and European allies, who have previously rejected any discussion of selling Greenland, while also raising fresh questions about Washington’s long-term strategic ambitions in the Arctic.