Trump Hints at Ambitious Plans for Greenland Ahead of Davos Trip amid Rising US-Europe Tensions
US President Donald Trump made a surprise appearance at the White House briefing room on Tuesday, just before departing for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, raising eyebrows with cryptic remarks about Greenland.
When asked how far he was willing to go to seize Greenland, Trump simply said, “you’ll find out”, fueling speculation about his strategic intentions. Despite the uncertainty, the President expressed confidence that NATO allies “will work something out”.
“I think that we will work something out where NATO is going to be very happy, and where we’re going to be very happy,” Trump said, without offering specific details. He also mentioned that multiple meetings regarding Greenland were scheduled during his Davos visit and expressed optimism that “things are going to work out pretty well.”
Trump’s remarks come amid mounting tensions between the US and Europe. Over the past weekend, he threatened fresh tariffs on European nations, including Britain, France, and Germany, which had stationed troops in Greenland in solidarity. Despite this, he dismissed concerns that his actions could jeopardize last year’s EU-US investment deal, stating, “They need that agreement very badly with us.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded firmly to Trump’s comments in Davos, emphasizing that the EU’s approach “will be unflinching, united and proportional.” Many European leaders have traditionally sought compromise with Trump while exploring other avenues to protect their strategic interests.
Trump has repeatedly cited Greenland’s strategic importance in deterring potential threats from China and Russia. However, his insistence that the US must have ownership over Greenland has tested the limits of European diplomatic strategy.
In a related development, Air Force One returned to Joint Base Andrews shortly after takeoff on Tuesday evening due to a minor electrical issue, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Reporters on board noted a brief blackout in the press cabin before being informed of the decision to turn back. Trump is expected to continue his trip to Davos aboard another aircraft.
