Trump Reasserts Greenland Ambition at Davos Summit
In a notable address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, former US President Donald Trump reiterated his administration's interest in acquiring Greenland, while explicitly stating that military force would not be employed to achieve this goal. Speaking to an audience of global business and political leaders, Trump framed the potential acquisition as a matter of national security for the United States.
Security Arguments and Historical References
Trump emphasised that Greenland, which he described as a "big, beautiful piece of ice," requires ownership rather than lease agreements for proper defence. He argued, "You need the ownership to defend it. You can't defend it on a lease. Who the hell wants to defend a licence agreement, or a lease?"
During his speech, Trump repeatedly referenced the Second World War, suggesting that without US intervention, Europe might have fallen under German or Japanese influence. He pointed to Denmark's rapid occupation by Germany as a historical example, stating that the US intervened "at great cost and expense."
NATO Criticisms and Diplomatic Tensions
While Trump acknowledged NATO's "excellent secretary general" and greeted Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in the audience, he returned to familiar criticisms of the alliance. He contended that the United States has borne a disproportionate financial burden in protecting European nations, implying that this justifies US interests in territories like Greenland.
The speech also included direct remarks about Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had previously warned about US "coercion" at Davos. Trump asserted, "Canada lives because of the US: remember that Mark, next time you make your statements," highlighting ongoing diplomatic friction.
Economic Claims and Environmental Dismissal
In a broader context, Trump touted what he described as historic economic achievements during his presidency, including "virtually no inflation." He also dismissed clean energy initiatives, repeatedly referring to them as the "green new scam," a stance that contrasts with the environmental focus of many Davos discussions.
Logistical Challenges and Tariff Threats
Trump's arrival in Switzerland was delayed due to an electrical fault on Air Force One, requiring a plane change, but he managed to address the forum as scheduled. His comments followed weekend threats to impose punitive tariffs on eight European countries, which he blamed for obstructing US efforts regarding Greenland, a topic that has dominated Davos conversations this week.
The speech underscored Trump's unconventional approach to international diplomacy, blending territorial ambitions with critiques of multilateral alliances and economic policy.
