Trump's Greenland Ambitions Trigger Global Reactions

Wed Jan 21 2026 13:56:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies rhetoric over Greenland, stating there's 'no going back' while world leaders raise concerns about the geopolitical implications.

President Donald Trump has reiterated his determination to acquire Greenland, declaring it 'imperative' and suggesting a possible upcoming trip to Davos for discussions. This has triggered a stern response from global leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who have voiced concerns over the geopolitical implications of such ambitions. Greenland's Minister of Industry expressed her nation's bewilderment, emphasizing the importance of self-determination. Meanwhile, escalating tensions are reflected in proposed tariffs from the U.S. and calls for solidarity from European leaders.

US president Donald Trump has doubled down on his threats to take control of Greenland, saying on social media that there is no going back and that Greenland is imperative.

During a news conference at the White House, Trump was asked how far he was willing to go to acquire Greenland and replied, You'll find out.

Meanwhile, French president Emmanuel Macron warned at a meeting at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland of a shift towards a world without rules, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the old order is not coming back.

Trump is due to arrive in Davos on Wednesday, where he has mentioned a full agenda on Greenland.

During the lengthy press briefing, Trump expressed optimism, stating things are going to work out pretty well in Greenland.

When questioned whether the potential dissolution of NATO was a trade-off he was willing to make for Greenland, he defended his record with NATO, claiming, Nobody has done more for NATO than I have. However, Trump had also expressed doubts about NATO’s commitment to come to the US's aid in a crisis.

NATO currently comprises 32 member states, with the US as one of the founding members committed to collective defense.

Trump has not ruled out using military force to reclaim Greenland; he declined to clarify when asked directly by NBC News.

In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Greenland's Minister of Industry and Natural Resources, Naaja Nathanielsen, revealed that Greenlanders are bewildered by the President's demands, asserting, We do not want to be Americans, and we have been quite clear about that.

Further statements from world leaders underscored their commitment to Greenland's autonomy, with von der Leyen of the European Commission affirming that European security efforts pertaining to the Arctic must be collaborative. She firmly stated that any proposal for tariffs initiated by Trump is considered a misstep.

Macron criticized Trump’s use of tariffs as a form of coercion against territorial sovereignty, advocating for a respect-based approach instead.

The situation continues to unfold against a backdrop of rising tensions and provocative trade policies, with Europe contemplating potential retaliatory actions.