At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Donald Trump reiterated his claim that Greenland belongs to the United States. “You have to own something to defend it-you cannot defend it if it’s just leased” he said. He expressed great respect for the people of Greenland and Denmark but maintained that only the United States can truly protect the territory.
Trump recalled Denmark’s defeat in World War II, saying the country was overcome by Germany after only six hours of fighting. He added that new weapons systems developed by Russia and China now make the island strategically essential for both national and international security. The U.S. therefore needs Greenland for its security interests.
“The raw materials in Greenland are not the reason for our interest; it’s simply a vast block of ice” Trump explained. He pointed out that Denmark pledged to invest more than $200 billion in Greenland’s security in 2019, yet only less than one percent of that amount had actually been spent.
Consequently, Trump demanded “immediate negotiations” on the acquisition of Greenland, saying that the United States, like many European nations, has historically acquired new territories without hesitation. “You can agree, and we would greatly appreciate that” he told Denmark, “or you can refuse, and we will remember that”. Trump insisted this was not a threat to NATO but a move to enhance the security of member states.
He also recalled that after World War II the United States had returned Greenland to Denmark-a decision he criticized today as “foolish” even though it was made, and claimed that America was grateful for that act. Trump promised that any transfer of Greenland would occur “without force”.
During his speech, the former president did not shy away from self-praise. He highlighted that, after one year back in office, the U.S. economy was booming once more.
On unrelated matters, Trump spoke about Venezuela, saying the country had “had a few problems” but that the United States now “helps them”. He claimed that oil revenues would be shared and that Venezuela would earn more money in the next six months than in the previous twenty years.
He also criticized renewable energy, noting that China manufactures all of the world’s wind turbines, yet he has never seen a wind turbine in China. Trump accused Chinese manufacturers of selling turbines to foolish customers while continuing to rely on coal, gas, and a little bit of nuclear power. According to him, countries with the most wind turbines would lose the most money.