Trump Intensifies Push to Acquire Greenland Ahead of Davos Meetings

Donald Trump has escalated his effort to explore acquiring Greenland, timing the move so he will encounter many officials who oppose the idea during next week’s World Economic Forum in Davos.

The U.S. president reportedly sent a text message to Norway’s prime minister that linked his Greenland campaign to his disappointment at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

“I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant,” Trump wrote.

Trump also questioned the legal basis for Denmark’s ties to Greenland, asserting there are “no written documents” that bind the relationship. That claim conflicts with long-standing, decades-old agreements and international practice under which the United States and other countries have recognized Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland.

Diplomatic Fallout and Economic Threats

Trump warned he could impose tariffs on European countries that oppose his moves, a threat that contributed to European Union discussions of retaliatory duties and prompted plans for an emergency summit this week.

Late Monday, Trump said he had a “very good” call with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and indicated he would raise the Greenland issue with “various parties” while in Davos.

White House Position

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told reporters the administration views Greenland as strategically important for U.S. national security and believes Greenlanders would be better protected by the United States against emerging threats in the Arctic region.

The proposal has prompted concern in Copenhagen, Nuuk and across Europe, where officials have emphasized Denmark’s legal authority over the territory and warned that any attempt to purchase or unilaterally change Greenland’s status would raise complex political and legal questions.