The Greenland deal debate returned to Davos as President Trump said the United States is seeking immediate negotiations to acquire Greenland. He said the United States would not use force to seize control.
In an hourlong address, the president described Greenland as a “piece of ice” and said ownership was necessary to defend the territory. He also said the United States had sent troops to Greenland during World War II.
Referring to that history, Trump said, “How stupid were we to give it back?” During the speech, he repeatedly mixed up Greenland and Iceland, with video and transcripts showing him saying “Iceland” while referring to Greenland.
Trump warned allies that if they refused his request he would remember their response. He described the United States as capable of using “excessive strength and force,” while saying he would not do so.
The speech also included references to threatened tariffs on allies who objected to the Greenland proposal. Markets reacted sharply, with stocks falling amid concerns about a clash with European leaders.
Reactions, Claims And Market Impact
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied that the president had mixed up Greenland and Iceland. Writing on X, Leavitt said, “No he didn’t,” and pointed to the president’s written remarks.
The Independent reported that videos and transcripts captured the name mix-up multiple times and noted that the president referred to Greenland as a “piece of ice.”
The Associated Press reported market moves linked to the episode, saying the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 871 points, the S&P 500 dropped 2.06 percent, and the Nasdaq declined 2.39 percent.
European leaders, including officials from Denmark, resisted the president’s proposal during the Davos meetings. The Associated Press reported that NATO countries said they are responsible for defending Greenland’s sovereignty.
The president also mocked French President Emmanuel Macron’s sunglasses while speaking at Davos. He said, “I watched him yesterday with those beautiful sunglasses, what the hell happened?”
