‘I won’t use force’ for Greenland: Key takeaways from Trump’s Davos speech
Former US President Donald Trump sought to temper international concerns on Thursday after declaring he would not use force in any future efforts related to Greenland, one of the most closely watched remarks from his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
“I won’t use force,” Trump said when asked about Greenland, addressing a topic that has resurfaced since his earlier presidency, when his interest in acquiring the Arctic territory sparked diplomatic backlash from Denmark. His latest comments appeared aimed at reassuring allies while keeping the issue firmly in the global spotlight.
Speaking to business leaders and policymakers, Trump framed Greenland as a strategic and economic issue rather than a military one, highlighting its geopolitical importance amid rising Arctic competition involving the United States, China, and Russia. He emphasized diplomacy and economic engagement, though he did not rule out renewed negotiations in the future.
Trump’s Davos speech touched on a range of global issues, including security, trade, and energy. He reiterated his long-standing criticism of multilateral institutions, arguing that national sovereignty should take precedence over international agreements that, in his view, disadvantage the United States.
On global conflicts, Trump repeated calls for stronger deterrence and faster conflict resolution, without outlining specific policy details. He also used the platform to criticize current US leadership, claiming that inconsistent foreign policy has weakened America’s standing on the world stage.
Economically, Trump promoted a return to what he described as “America-first growth,” calling for lower taxes, reduced regulation, and tougher trade enforcement. He argued that these policies had delivered stronger growth during his presidency and could do so again.
Reactions to the speech were mixed. Some business leaders welcomed Trump’s emphasis on economic pragmatism, while diplomats and analysts noted that his remarks, particularly on geopolitics, lacked clarity. Danish officials did not immediately comment on the Greenland statement.
Observers say Trump’s appearance at Davos was as much a political signal as a policy discussion, reinforcing his intention to remain a dominant figure in global debates ahead of the 2026 political cycle.
As world leaders continue discussions at Davos, Trump’s remarks on Greenland and global security are expected to fuel further debate, underscoring how his positions continue to shape international conversations even outside the formal office.
