DAVOS, Jan 21: At the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Donald Trump reiterated his desire for the United States to acquire Greenland, including full rights and ownership.
He emphasized, however, that he would not use military force, preferring negotiations instead.
Speaking to global leaders and business figures, Trump urged NATO allies not to block US expansionism and warned that Denmark and other countries refusing to negotiate “will be remembered.” Trump called Greenland “a piece of ice, cold and poorly located,” but argued its strategic value justified US interest.
Criticism of Europe and US economic pride
Trump used the forum to criticize European economies, contrasting them with a booming US.
He claimed, “When America booms, the whole world booms,” while urging for strong allies rather than “seriously weakened” ones.
Despite a delayed arrival due to a minor Air Force One issue, Trump’s speech drew a full audience of global leaders and billionaires, with attendees listening in multiple languages.
Tariff threats raise tensions
Trump threatened steep US import tariffs on Denmark and seven other allies if they did not negotiate Greenland’s transfer.
Tariffs could start at 10% in February and rise to 25% by June, potentially increasing costs and slowing growth.
European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, rejected coercion, warning that Trump’s stance could destabilize trade frameworks and undercut US-EU agreements.
Housing policy takes backseat
Trump’s intended focus on US housing affordability was overshadowed by his Greenland remarks.
He opposed measures to lower home prices, claiming such policies hurt homeowners’ equity and wealth perception.
Rising mortgage rates and 30-year low home sales in the US remain a pressing domestic concern, but his Greenland agenda dominated international attention.
Board of Peace initiative
Trump also outlined plans for a “Board of Peace” to oversee the Israel-Hamas conflict and possibly assume a broader global mandate, potentially challenging the United Nations’ role.
Fewer than ten leaders, mostly considered anti-democratic, have accepted invitations, while key European partners like Britain, France, and Germany remain cautious or noncommittal.
EU may halt US trade deal over Greenland
The European Parliament is considering pausing the EU-US trade deal in response to President Donald Trump’s threats to seize Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. The deal, agreed in 2020, includes reducing EU import duties on U.S. goods and maintaining zero duties on US lobsters. Votes on the agreement, initially scheduled for January 26-27, may now be postponed.
A group of 23 lawmakers urged EU Assembly President Roberta Metsola to freeze the deal as long as the U.S. continues its Greenland claims, warning that approving it would reward Trump’s actions. Left-leaning and centrist members, including Social Democrats and Greens, voiced concerns, with Greens lawmaker Anna Cavazzini describing Trump’s approach as chaotic. French centrist Valerie Hayer said a postponement should be considered if threats persist.
Lawmakers also criticized the deal as lopsided, with the EU reducing duties while the U.S. maintains tariffs of up to 15%. However, delaying the deal risks retaliation from the Trump administration, which has refused any concessions until it is finalized, according to a report from Reuters. (Agencies)
