Trump vows not to use force to annex Greenland, but urges Europe to make a decision: 'We'll keep that in mind'
In his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Donald Trump called for “immediate negotiations” for the US to buy Greenland, claiming that it requires this “piece of ice to protect the world”, and says that he will not use force to achieve this goal, but it is necessary for Europe to make a decision in this regard.
“The world thought I was going to use force. I don't need to use force. I don't want to use force. I won't use force,” Trump said, arguing that the United States is the only “great power” that is “capable of defending Greenland” and accusing Denmark of “ingratitude.”
“Every NATO ally has the obligation to be able to defend its own territory. And it is a truth that no nation or group of nations is able to defend Greenland, except for the United States. We are a great power, much greater than the world imagines,” the US leader emphasized.
“Only the United States can protect this gigantic territory, this colossal piece of ice, develop it, modernize it and make it useful for Europe and safe for Europe and for us. That's why I request the immediate opening of negotiations to discuss again the purchase of Greenland by the United States,” insisted Trump.
“We want a piece of ice to protect the world and they refuse to give it to us”
“So, they have a choice: they can say 'yes' and we will be very grateful, or they can say 'no' and we will remember that,” he concluded.
Trump previously reproached Denmark for neglecting the security of the Arctic region in the face of what he described as threats from Russia and China in this strategic region, thus motivating his intention to annex Greenland. He also claimed that the American military presence established on this island since the Cold War period would no longer be sufficient.
“Without us, you'd all be speaking German or maybe a little Japanese now.”
Denmark was captured by Germany “after only six hours of fighting”, forcing the US to intervene “at great cost”.
“You need property to defend it. You can't defend it under a lease. Who the hell would want to defend a license agreement or a lease?”
Handing over Greenland to the US would not pose a threat to NATO, he said, praising his “excellent secretary-general” and saluting Mark Rutte in the audience.
But Trump has repeatedly returned to his argument that the US has had a damaging history with NATO, funding the defense of other European countries for years. “We give so much and get so little in return.”
He suggested that while the US is prepared to defend its NATO allies, that support may not be returned in kind. “We are there for NATO 100%. I am not sure if they would be there for us.”
It was a bad decision for the US to return Greenland, Trump claims
“All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland, which we already held, but which we returned to Denmark not long ago after defeating the Germans, Japanese, Italians and others in World War II. We gave it back to them.”
He added that it was “stupid” of the US not to keep the island after the war. However, Trump played down the significance of his threats against Greenland, arguing that it was modest compensation for years of US support for NATO allies.
“What I'm asking for is a piece of ice, cold and badly situated,” he said. “It's a very small request compared to what we've been giving them for many, many decades.”
