LAST TIME Trump announces for the first time that he will not use force in Greenland: “I don't want to use force, I will not use force.” What the US President wants
Donald Trump. PHOTO: AA/ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia
In a tough speech in Davos after a round of criticism from allies, the White House leader said the US wanted “immediate negotiations” to discuss the purchase of Greenland.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday ruled out the use of force in his bid to control Greenland, but said in a speech in Davos that no other country could ensure the security of the Danish territory.
“People thought I was going to use force, but I don't have to,” Trump said at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. “I don't want to use force. I won't use force,” he said.
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Trump made the remarks in a closely watched speech overshadowed by deteriorating transatlantic relations and tensions with Europe over his push to acquire Greenland.
He downplayed the issue, calling it “a small request” for “a piece of ice” and saying the purchase would not pose a threat to the NATO alliance.
“No nation or group of nations is in a position to ensure the security of Greenland other than the United States,” Trump said, adding, “I am calling for immediate negotiations to re-discuss the United States' purchase of Greenland.”
Trump said US presidents have been trying to buy Greenland for nearly two centuries.
He claimed that there was “no sign” of Denmark on the island and that Denmark was spending less money than it promised on Greenland.
“Only the US can protect this huge land mass, this huge piece of ice, develop it and improve it,” he said.
Trump, who ended a turbulent first year in power on Tuesday, overshadowed the agenda at Davos, where global elites discuss economic and political trends.
NATO leaders have warned that Trump's Greenland strategy could destabilize the alliance, while the leaders of Denmark and Greenland offered a wide range of solutions for a greater US presence on the strategic territory of the island, with a population of 57,000.
“We want a piece of ice for global protection, and they're not giving it to us,” Trump said in his speech to a congressional hall packed with business and political leaders.
