Davos 2026: Trump’s Greenland Agenda Prompts Global Alarm

US President Donald Trump arrived late to the World Economic Forum in Davos due to a minor technical issue on Air Force One, which forced the plane to return briefly. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reported that Trump would be approximately three hours behind schedule, citing a “full agenda of meetings on Greenland” as the reason for the delay. Trump’s continued focus on acquiring Greenland raises questions over transatlantic security, trade tensions, and international norms. His statements have prompted swift reactions from European and allied leaders. 

Upon arrival, Trump made several statements regarding Greenland, describing it as strategically vital and insisting there is “no turning back” on his plans. When asked how far he would go to secure the territory, he responded cryptically: “You will find out.” Amid speculation over military options, Trump did not rule out the use of force, replying “no comment” when questioned by NBC News. He also expressed confidence that negotiations over Greenland would “work out pretty well,” while defending NATO. Though emphasizing his strong support for the alliance, he questioned whether it would come to the United States’ aid if needed. “I know we would come to NATO’s rescue, but I really question if they would come to ours.”

Trump’s statements immediately drew global attention. European and allied leaders at Davos weighed in on security concerns, trade tensions, and broader transatlantic implications. Greenland’s Minister for Industry and Natural Resources, Naaja Nathanielsen, voiced frustration over the US approach, stating that Greenlanders were “bewildered.” “We do not want to be Americans, and we have been very clear about that,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for respect and adherence to international norms, stating that “respect must trump bullying” and “the rule of law is superior to coercion.” He urged the EU to consider retaliatory measures against US tariffs, including the deployment of the so-called “Anti-Coercion Instrument,” or “trade bazooka,” which allows Brussels to impose counter-tariffs, restrict access to the Single Market, and limit foreign participation in public procurement if coercion is attempted by external powers. Macron condemned the “relentless imposition of tariffs” as an unacceptable method to pressure another nation’s sovereignty.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the shifting international order, describing the world as “defined by raw power” and emphasizing that Europe must accelerate its strategic independence. While Europe prefers dialogue, she asserted it is “fully prepared to act if necessary with unity, urgency, and determination.” Von der Leyen also criticized Trump’s threatened tariffs as inappropriate and reaffirmed that Greenland’s sovereignty is “non-negotiable.”

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Chancellor Rachel Reeves reflected Britain’s cautious stance. Miliband emphasized a “calm and rational” approach, urging diplomacy over retaliatory tariffs while maintaining a firm position on Arctic security. He noted that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would not attend Davos but would engage with Trump through other channels. Reeves highlighted that the UK “would never rule anything out” regarding trade measures but had received assurances from the US Commerce Secretary that the US-UK trade deal would remain intact.

Former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen argued for a more assertive European response. “The time of flattering President Trump has ended,” he said, adding that retaliatory tariffs should be considered if Trump proceeds with his Greenland plans. Rasmussen warned that NATO’s credibility could be undermined if Trump successfully asserts control over Greenland. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte shifted attention to Ukraine, stressing that the ongoing war should not be overshadowed by other disputes and urging European allies to maintain defense commitments, emphasizing that support for Ukraine remains urgent and non-negotiable.

Trump’s Greenland Initiative

Trump has repeatedly highlighted Greenland as critical to US national security amid growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. On Jan. 14, a high-level meeting at the White House between the US, Denmark, and Greenland concluded without a clear resolution. Participants included US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt.

While discussions were described as “frank but constructive,” Rasmussen firmly rejected US suggestions that Washington assume control of Greenland, calling them “totally unacceptable.” A working group was formed to explore compromise solutions, emphasizing cooperation while respecting Greenlandic sovereignty. Trump’s special envoy, Jeff Landry, announced plans to visit Greenland in March to continue negotiations, expressing optimism that a deal could eventually be reached.

Trump’s Greenland push has directly influenced European trade policy. Last week, Donald Trump warned that he may levy new tariffs on eight allied nations that resist his push to take control of Greenland. The countries targeted include the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland. He announced that a 10% tariff on all imports from these nations would take effect on Feb. 1, with the rate set to increase to 25% by June 1 if opposition continues. In addition, Trump announced he would impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne to pressure Macron into joining his Peace Council.

Under such pressures, Macron advocated for deploying the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument, enabling Brussels to impose counter-tariffs. However, not all European leaders favor confrontation. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of Trump, urged restraint, framing tensions as a “problem of understanding and communication” and leaving space for diplomacy.

The European Parliament is considering delaying implementation of the EU-US trade agreement, initially scheduled for votes on Jan. 26–27. Discussions focus on suspending certain US import privileges while retaining zero tariffs on items such as lobster, agreed in 2020. Twenty-three MEPs urged EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola to halt progress until US threats toward Greenland subside, warning that approving the agreement under current conditions could be seen as rewarding coercive tactics. Critics also highlighted the deal’s imbalance, noting the EU would remove most tariffs while US tariffs remain at 15%, increasing the risk of further US retaliation if the agreement proceeds.