‘After the war we gave Greenland back to Denmark...’: Trump makes explosive comments at Davos

Davos: At the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, 2026, President Donald Trump made headlines with remarks on Greenland, stating that the territory’s security could only be ensured by the United States.

Trump highlighted the strategic importance of Greenland and stressed that NATO allies, while responsible for defending their own territories, are currently unable to secure the island. Trump claimed that “no nation or group of nations is in any position to secure Greenland other than the United States,” highlighting the strategic location of the Danish territory in the Arctic.

Trump also stated, “I have great respect for both the people of Greenland and the people of Denmark. But every NATO ally has an obligation to be able to defend their own territory. And the fact is no nation or group of nations is in any position to be able to secure Greenland other than the United States.”

His comments follow previous disputes over Greenland involving US proposals to purchase the territory, which were widely criticised by Denmark and other European nations. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson responded cautiously on the sidelines of Davos, stating that Europeans are “willing to beef up security in Greenland and across the Arctic but we will not accept to be blackmailed.”

Trump said, “Without us (America) you’ll all be speaking in German and maybe a little Japanese”, emphasising the US’s role in global security since World War II. He added, “After the war we gave Greenlands back to Denmark – how stupid were we?”, referencing the post‑war transfer of the territory.

Trump further raised the issue of military capabilities, saying, “There are weapons I can’t even talk about,” without providing further details. He framed Greenland as a vital piece of the world’s security puzzle, stating, “So we want a piece of ice for world protection. And they won't give it. They have a choice. You can say yes and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no and we will remember.”

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also weighed in, saying, “Middle powers must act together because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu.” Carney added, “Great powers have begun using economic integration as weapons, tariffs as leverage, financial infrastructure as coercion, supply chains as vulnerabilities to be exploited,” emphasising the strategic tensions surrounding Greenland and the Arctic region.

Experts note that Greenland, while under Danish sovereignty, holds strategic significance due to its location, natural resources, and potential military advantages. Analysts at the Arctic Institute emphasised that the US claim does not reflect current international law and that NATO and European partners retain responsibilities for Arctic defence.

Trump’s remarks come amid broader tensions in US-European relations and ongoing discussions at the World Economic Forum about global security, climate change, and economic cooperation. Several European diplomats stressed the importance of multilateral decision-making and adherence to established agreements in the Arctic region.

While Trump framed Greenland as an issue of US security, international responses indicate that sovereignty, multilateral cooperation, and NATO commitments remain central to the governance and defence of the Arctic.