Trump repeats desire to own Greenland at World Economic Forum

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - President Donald Trump declared his intention to take control of Greenland during remarks at the World Economic Forum Wednesday, sparking immediate backlash from world leaders and sending the conference into upheaval.

Trump made his case that the United States should have ownership of the autonomous Danish territory, arguing no other nation could adequately secure it.

“The fact is, no nation or group of nations is in any position to be able to secure Greenland other than the United States,” Trump said.

The president criticized the U.S. decision to return Greenland to Denmark after World War II, calling it a mistake.

“After the war, we gave Greenland back to Denmark. How stupid were we to do that? But we did it. But we gave it back. But how ungrateful are they now?” Trump said.

Trump also appealed to NATO allies, framing Greenland acquisition as compensation for U.S. defense spending.

“We paid for, in my opinion, 100% of NATO because they weren’t paying their bills. And all we’re asking for is to get Greenland, including right title and ownership, because you need the ownership to defend it,” he said. NATO members have increased their defense spending since the first Trump administration.

Trump said he wants Greenland as a military foothold and to build the “golden dome” - a defense system to intercept attacks.

The speech prompted immediate backlash from the European Union, which announced it was suspending work on U.S. trade deals indefinitely.

Following the remarks, Trump held a bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

After that meeting, Trump posted on Truth Social that they had formed a framework for a future deal on the entire Arctic region. He later told reporters it would be a “long-term deal” but provided no additional details. The president has further meetings at the World Economic Forum Thursday.