US president Donald Trump has doubled down on his threats to take control of Greenland, stating on social media that there is 'no going back' and asserting that 'Greenland is imperative'.
During a news conference at the White House, when asked how far he is willing to go to acquire Greenland, Trump replied, 'You'll find out.'
Meanwhile, French president Emmanuel Macron alerted attendees at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland about a 'shift towards a world without rules', as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney remarked that the 'old order is not coming back.'
Trump is set to arrive in Davos on Wednesday for a series of scheduled meetings about Greenland.
In a lengthy press briefing, Trump expressed optimism, claiming that 'things are going to work out pretty well' in Greenland. When questioned by the BBC about whether he would compromise NATO unity for Greenland, he stated, 'Nobody has done more for NATO than I have, in every way,' emphasizing that 'NATO is going to be happy and we are going to be happy,' and suggested the territorial acquisition was necessary for global security.
However, he cast doubt on NATO's commitment to assist the US, saying, 'I know we'll come to their rescue, but I really question whether or not they'll come to ours.'
NATO, consisting of 32 member states, was founded to maintain peace through collective defense, as described in Article 5 of its charter.
Trump has not dismissed the possibility of using military force to acquire Greenland, responding 'no comment' when asked by NBC if he would resort to force.
In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Greenland's Minister of Industry and Natural Resources, Naaja Nathanielsen, expressed that Greenlanders were 'bewildered' by Trump's claims, stating, 'We do not want to be Americans, and we have been quite clear about that.'
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, addressed attendees in Davos, stating that Europe is 'fully committed' to Arctic security but insists this can only be achieved collectively. She rebuked Trump's proposed tariffs on European goods as 'a mistake.' Trump has threatened a 10% tariff on goods from eight European nations if they oppose his Greenland takeover plans.
Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU's support for Greenland and Denmark, underscoring that their sovereignty is 'non-negotiable.' Mark Carney reaffirmed Canada's unwavering commitment to NATO and proclaimed that Canada stands firmly with Greenland in its right to determine its own future.
Macron emphasized the need for respect over bully tactics and the rule of law over brutality. Earlier, Trump had threatened a 200% tariff on French wine after Macron declined an invitation to join a peace initiative, drawing condemnation of 'endless new tariffs' from Macron.
In response to growing tensions, sources within the European Parliament are reportedly considering suspending the approval of a previously agreed trade deal with the US.
Trump's comments continue to create ripples across international waters, especially as discussions around Greenland grow more contentious.
