‘I won’t use force’ on Greenland, Trump tells Davos as he doubles down on US control

Trump tells Davos he will not use force to take Greenland, but doubles down on US control, tariffs and a hardline foreign policy vision for his second term.

WEBDESK – Imran Malik – January 22, 2026

President Donald Trump said he would not use military force to take over Greenland, but made clear that the United States remains determined to gain control of the strategic Arctic territory, warning that there would be consequences if Denmark resists.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump sought to soften global concerns about military action while reinforcing his long-standing push for US “ownership” of Greenland, which he described as vital to American and international security.

“People thought I would use force, but I don’t have to use force,” Trump said. “I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”

Despite the assurance, Trump left little doubt about his intent, arguing that Denmark lacks the capacity to secure Greenland and that the island is effectively part of North America. He called for immediate negotiations and suggested Europe would regret saying no.

Hours later, Trump announced on Truth Social that he had reached a “framework of a future deal” on Greenland following talks with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, though details remain unclear. He also agreed to lift threatened tariffs on European allies that were set to take effect on February 1.

During the speech, Trump sharply criticised NATO, portraying the alliance as a financial burden on the United States that offers little in return unless pressured. He said America’s military strength alone ensures global stability, repeating that he could act decisively but would choose not to.

Trump also defended his aggressive tariff policy, claiming it had slashed the US trade deficit by 77 percent without triggering inflation. He credited tariffs with reviving manufacturing and strengthening America’s negotiating power with Europe, Japan, and South Korea.

Turning to Europe, Trump delivered a bleak assessment, blaming immigration and green energy policies for what he described as economic and social decline. He dismissed renewable energy initiatives, calling them a “Green New Scam,” while embracing nuclear power as safe, affordable, and central to America’s future energy strategy.

On Venezuela, Trump predicted a dramatic economic revival, praising cooperation with the country’s interim leadership and confirming US access to millions of barrels of oil following the removal of Nicolás Maduro. He said Venezuela would make more money in six months than it had in two decades.

Trump also addressed Canada directly, rebuking Prime Minister Mark Carney and saying the country “lives because of the United States” and should show more gratitude for American support.

On Ukraine, Trump claimed both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy want a deal, insisting he would help end the war, which he said was costing lives unnecessarily.

The Davos appearance underscored Trump’s foreign policy doctrine for his second term: unapologetically transactional, heavy on economic leverage, sceptical of alliances, and anchored in the belief that US power — used or withheld — remains the decisive force in global affairs.