• President demands immediate negotiations with Denmark to acquire the Arctic island
• European allies face ultimatum to support acquisition or face consequences they will remember
• Markets rebound after Trump says he will not use force against NATO ally

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND (TDR) — President Donald Trump delivered a defiant address at the World Economic Forum Wednesday, declaring that Greenland is American territory and demanding immediate negotiations to acquire the island from Denmark while warning NATO allies they will face consequences if they refuse to support his expansionist agenda.

"This enormous unsecured island is actually part of North America, on the northern frontier of the Western Hemisphere. That's our territory. It is, therefore, a core national security interest of the United States of America."

The president made that declaration to a room full of billionaires, government officials and diplomats gathered in the Swiss Alps resort town, using the annual gathering of global elites to press his case for territorial expansion while criticizing America's closest allies.

Trump Rules Out Force But Issues Warning

In a significant shift from previous statements, Trump announced he would not employ military force to seize Greenland from Denmark, though he made clear the United States could do so if it chose.

"We probably won't get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be, frankly, unstoppable. But I won't do that. I won't use force."

Markets, which had plummeted the previous day amid Trump's escalating threats, immediately rebounded when the president ruled out military action. The Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq had all suffered their worst single-day losses since October on Tuesday following his tariff threats.

But Trump quickly followed with an ultimatum for NATO members, framing their response as a test of loyalty.

"So they have a choice. You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember."

The president added that a strong and secure America means a strong NATO, calling his request for Greenland a very small ask compared to what the United States has given the alliance over many decades.

Denmark Called Ungrateful

Trump invoked World War II to make his case, suggesting Denmark owes the United States for liberating Europe from Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

"Without us, right now you'd all be speaking German and Japanese, perhaps. After the war, we gave Greenland back to Denmark. How stupid were we to do that, but we did it, but we gave it back. But how ungrateful are they now?"

The president repeatedly minimized the significance of his demand, describing Greenland as merely a piece of ice in a cold and poorly located region, while simultaneously arguing it plays a vital role in world peace and protection.

"What I'm asking for is a piece of ice, cold and poorly located, that can play a vital role in world peace and world protection. It's a very small ask, compared to what we have given them for many, many decades."

Trump argued that ownership is essential for defense purposes, dismissing the idea that existing lease arrangements could suffice.

"You need the ownership to defend it. You can't defend it on a lease. Number one, legally it's not defensible in that way, totally. And psychologically, who the hell wants to defend a license agreement or a lease?"

President Questions NATO Commitment

In a remarkable moment during his address, Trump questioned whether NATO allies would come to America's defense if needed, despite Article 5's mutual defense guarantee having been invoked only once — in defense of the United States after the September 11 attacks.

"The big fear I have with NATO is we spend tremendous amounts of money with NATO, and I know we'll come to their rescue, but I just really do question whether or not they'll come to ours."

The president claimed no nation or group of nations could secure Greenland other than the United States, dismissing Denmark's capabilities while acknowledging he has tremendous respect for the Danish and Greenlandic people.

"The fact is, no nation or group of nations is in any position to be able to secure Greenland other than the United States, with a great power much greater than people even understand."

Canada Targeted

Trump turned his criticism toward Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had delivered a pointed speech the previous day warning of a rupture in the international order.

"Canada lives because of the United States — remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements. I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn't grateful."

Carney had warned that the world faces a fundamental shift, urging allied nations to band together because those not at the table are on the menu. His speech represented one of the strongest pushbacks against Trump's territorial ambitions from a close American ally.

The president repeatedly confused Greenland with Iceland during his remarks, at one point telling the audience he was asking for Iceland, an independent nation and NATO member with no connection to the Danish territory.

European Leaders Brace for Impact

The speech followed days of thinly veiled condemnations from European leaders who had gathered in Davos before Trump's arrival. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the shift in the international order is not only seismic but permanent, warning that if the change is permanent, Europe must change permanently too.

"The shift in the international order is not only seismic — but it is permanent, and the sheer speed of change far outstrips anything we have seen in decades."

French President Emmanuel Macron had used his address to criticize the use of tariffs as leverage against territorial sovereignty, declaring that Europe preferred respect to bullies. Trump responded by posting screenshots of private text messages from Macron and threatening 200% tariffs on French wines and Champagne.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed Parliament on Wednesday, vowing that Britain would not yield on principles regarding Greenland's future under threats of tariffs.

"Britain will not yield on our principles and values about the future of Greenland under threats of tariffs, and that is my clear position."

Tariff Threats Remain

Despite ruling out military force, Trump's economic pressure campaign against eight NATO members remains in place. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland face 10% tariffs beginning February 1, increasing to 25% by June 1 if no agreement on Greenland is reached.

The president demanded immediate negotiations with Denmark while making clear he expects favorable results.

"I'm seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States."

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed concerns about potential investment pullbacks from Danish pension funds, declaring that the size of Denmark's investment in U.S. treasury bonds, like Denmark itself, is irrelevant.

Trump is scheduled to participate in a signing ceremony Thursday for his Board of Peace initiative before departing Switzerland. The speech marked his third appearance at Davos and came on the heels of his first year anniversary in his second term.

Has Trump's declaration that Greenland is American territory permanently altered the transatlantic relationship, or will European leaders find a way to accommodate his demands?

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