Trump Hints at Drastic Greenland Acquisition Plans While Europe Promises Firm Response

President Donald Trump declined to specify limits on his territorial ambitions for Greenland during a White House briefing on Tuesday, telling reporters they would soon discover how far he’s prepared to pursue the Arctic territory. His cryptic response came amid mounting European opposition to his repeated suggestions of potentially using military force to acquire the Danish-controlled island.
Speaking ahead of his departure to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump revealed he has arranged multiple discussions about Greenland with European officials. He expressed optimism about the negotiations, suggesting that both NATO and the United States would be satisfied with the eventual outcome. The president emphasized that acquiring Greenland represents a critical matter of national and global security.
Trump’s refusal to exclude military intervention has sparked concern among Americans and lawmakers alike. Public polling indicates substantial opposition to forceful acquisition tactics, while several Republican Congress members have distanced themselves from such approaches. The president’s stance has created unprecedented tension within the Western alliance.
European leaders gathering in Davos have responded with increasingly forceful language defending Greenland’s sovereignty. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen specifically condemned Trump’s announcement of 10 percent tariffs on eight European nations deploying NATO forces to Greenland. She promised the European Union’s response would be unified, proportional, and resolute.
The international pushback includes French President Emmanuel Macron threatening deployment of the EU’s anti-coercion instrument, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that weakness invites exploitation. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed support for Greenland and Denmark’s sovereignty, calling for diplomatic solutions while reaffirming NATO commitments. Despite mass protests by Greenlanders rejecting American control, Trump claimed residents would be enthusiastic about his proposals.