Davos: President Donald Trump’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos was marked by sharp diplomatic tension after he repeated his determination to bring Greenland under United States control, a stance that drew strong resistance from European leaders.
Speaking on the sidelines of the annual gathering, Trump said Greenland was critical for US national and strategic security, especially in the Arctic region. When pressed on how far he was willing to go to achieve this goal, he offered no details, saying only that his position was firm.
European leaders reacted with unease and criticism. Several senior figures openly rejected the idea, stressing that Greenland’s sovereignty must be respected and warning against any move that could undermine international norms. French President Emmanuel Macron was among those who voiced clear opposition, saying such ambitions were difficult to understand among close allies.
The controversy quickly became one of the most talked about issues at Davos, overshadowing discussions on global growth, trade and cooperation. Diplomats said the Greenland issue strained the atmosphere at meetings meant to reinforce unity, particularly among NATO partners.
In response to Trump’s remarks, European Union leaders began discussing ways to strengthen joint Arctic security and cooperation, underlining that any security concerns should be addressed collectively rather than through unilateral action. Some European officials suggested that enhanced cooperation with the United States in the Arctic could help calm tensions.
The dispute has also had wider effects, with reports that talks on other international issues, including long term economic planning related to Ukraine, were disrupted as attention shifted to the Greenland row.
Public reaction has been strong in Denmark and Greenland, where many residents and leaders reiterated that the territory is not for sale. Opinion polls in the United States have also shown limited public support for the idea, with concerns about damage to relations with key allies.
As Davos continues, Trump’s push on Greenland has become a defining moment of the forum, highlighting deep differences between Washington and Europe at a time when global cooperation is under increasing pressure.