DLNews World News:

A Piece of Ice, a Global Claim

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered what he described as a major reassurance to allies and critics alike: the United States, he said, will not use force to acquire Greenland.

“There’s been a lot of speculation,” Trump told reporters, asserting that while the United States would be “unstoppable” if it chose to use force, he had no intention of doing so. “I don’t want to use force. I will not use force,” he said, framing the statement as one of the most significant clarifications he had made on the issue.

The remarks appeared designed to ease tensions on both sides of the Atlantic, following renewed concern over Trump’s long-standing interest in Greenland. Yet the president’s comments also made clear that the matter is far from settled. While emphasizing restraint, Trump paired his pledge with a warning that underscored the transactional tone of his approach: the United States wants “a piece of ice to protect the world,” and while agreement would be met with gratitude, refusal would not be forgotten.

Trump reiterated his central argument that Greenland is critical to U.S. national security. He described the territory as strategically indispensable, saying Washington seeks land on which to build what he called the most advanced version yet of a “Golden Dome” defense system. In his telling, Greenland is “cold and poorly located,” yet uniquely positioned to play a decisive role in global security.

The president’s language drew attention for its casual tone. He repeatedly referred to Greenland simply as “a piece of ice,” at times even calling it “Iceland,” despite the fact that Greenland is a vast landmass—roughly six times the size of Germany and about one-fifth the size of the United States—with a permanent population and its own political institutions.

Still, Trump stopped short of outlining concrete terms. He again stressed that he seeks to “acquire” Greenland rather than annex it, but offered no indication of what the United States might be willing to pay. He did, however, announce his intention to pursue immediate negotiations with Denmark, which retains sovereignty over the territory, even as he hinted that trade measures, including potential tariffs, could loom in the background.

At the same time, Trump dismissed proposals to significantly expand the U.S. military presence on Greenland while it remains Danish territory. His reasoning was characteristically blunt: “You need to own something to defend it,” he said, arguing that leasing or hosting forces without ownership limits effective defense.

For now, Trump’s explicit rejection of force may cool the debate, at least temporarily. But his insistence on acquisition, coupled with strategic pressure and unresolved questions over terms, ensures that Greenland will remain a sensitive and closely watched issue in transatlantic relations.