Trump Rules Out Force in Greenland at Davos but Warns NATO Allies: 'We Will Remember'

Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, 2026, President Trump said he would not use military force to acquire Greenland: "I don't have to use force. I don't want to use force. I won't use force." He simultaneously pressed for "immediate negotiations" over the Danish territory, argued that "no nation or group of nations is in any position to be able to secure Greenland other than the United States," and told allies who resist: "You can say yes and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no and we will remember."

The speech removed the military option while leaving the economic pressure in place: the 10 percent tariffs Trump had announced days earlier against eight European countries remained scheduled for February 1, rising to 25 percent on June 1 until a purchase agreement is reached.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called it "positive" that force was off the table but said "that does not make the problem go away," adding that "the president's ambition is intact."