Did the US give Greenland back to Denmark? Trump omits history at Davos

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday January 22, 2026, US President Donald Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, citing its strategic location. In recounting the history of US-Greenland relations, Trump stated the US "gave Greenland back to Denmark" after World War II. However, while the US defended Greenland after Germany invaded Denmark and maintained a military presence, it never possessed the territory. Greenland's status as part of Denmark has been established for over a century, with Denmark colonizing Greenland in the 1720s and solidifying its sovereignty through international rulings and UN recognition.

The United States' interest in Greenland dates back to World War II when it feared Nazi control of the Danish colony. During the Cold War, the U.S. transformed Greenland into a major military asset with air bases and radar sites under an agreement with Denmark. This agreement granted the U.S. significant military freedom on the island. More recently, President Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, continuing a decades-long history of tension and cooperation between the U.S. and Denmark regarding the island's strategic importance. The U.S. has long viewed Greenland as essential for military and strategic purposes due to its location.

President Trump announced a framework for a potential agreement regarding Greenland, resolving previous tensions. This announcement follows a dispute with NATO allies, partly concerning responses to increasing Chinese and Russian activity in the Arctic region. Trump stated the agreement would benefit the United States and all NATO nations. He made the announcement on social media on Wednesday and at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The agreement signals a shift from earlier threats made by Trump to potentially invade the Arctic island. He also stated he was dropping plans to hit eight European...

The article discusses the potential long-term damage to US-European relations caused by Donald Trump's actions during his second term as president. It contrasts Trump's approach with Joe Biden's earlier efforts to repair ties, highlighting Trump's confrontational stance towards European leaders and alliances. Trump's demands and accusations have reportedly destabilized relationships built over decades, leaving European countries to navigate international affairs without traditional US leadership. The article suggests that these actions could make it more difficult for future US leaders to restore trust and cooperation with Europe. The events described are taking place in the present, following Trump's second term which began after Biden's presidency.

Donald Trump announced a "framework of a future deal" regarding Greenland after discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The announcement follows previous tensions and threats of sanctions against US allies who opposed Trump's interest in the territory. While Trump provided no specifics, he stated the deal would benefit the US and NATO. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen affirmed Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland is non-negotiable, but expressed openness to discussing other issues like security and investment. NATO indicated negotiations between Denmark, Greenland, and the US would aim to prevent Russian or Chinese influence in Greenland. A Greenlandic lawmaker emphasized that Greenland must be involved in any negotiations.

Negotiations regarding Greenland's future are underway following President Trump's ultimatum, focusing on countering Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. Discussions involve establishing a new NATO mission called "Arctic Sentry" and updating a 1951 pact granting the U.S. military access to Greenland. A key proposal includes transferring sovereignty of specific Greenlandic territories to the United States, a move opposed by Denmark. The aim is to address U.S. security concerns in the Arctic while respecting Denmark's position against selling Greenland. The talks seek to prevent hostile actors from exploiting Greenland's resources and ensure continued American access for military operations. The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain due to Denmark's opposition to ceding any land.

Following a new framework agreement between US President Donald Trump and NATO, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced that NATO countries will be required to swiftly increase Arctic security. Rutte's comments, made at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, come after Trump's threats to acquire Greenland, citing potential acquisition by China or Russia. While Trump has since dropped tariff threats and ruled out using force, the agreement necessitates enhanced Arctic security measures from NATO allies, potentially by early 2026. Discussions also involve the Golden Dome missile defense program. Rutte expressed confidence that non-Arctic NATO members would contribute and that this Arctic focus wouldn't detract from support for Ukraine.

An outline deal between the US and NATO aims to increase NATO's presence in the Arctic to monitor Russian ship movements, contingent on respecting Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty. The agreement, which has been under discussion for some time, requires dedicating new resources to Arctic monitoring. The deal's stability is uncertain due to Trump's past erratic behavior and questions remain about US access to Greenland's minerals and a potential defense shield. The UK and Germany have been pushing for a NATO-led "Arctic sentry," modeled after existing Baltic and Eastern sentries, to address perceived threats from Chinese and Russian fleets. Some NATO members are hesitant, questioning the immediate threat from Russia. A recent NATO reconnaissance mission was designed to assess the scale of the Russian presence and the feasibility of a monitoring mission.

In January 2026, President Trump threatened a trade war with Europe, demanding they cede Greenland to the United States. This led to plunging stock markets and frantic activity from European leaders. Trump then reversed course, claiming a future deal for Greenland and the Arctic was reached, suspending planned tariffs. Despite averting the trade war, this action destabilized global trade and increased doubts about cooperating with the U.S. Critics suggest Trump's actions undermine the global trading system and push countries toward China. Despite opportunities to reshape global trade, Trump continues to threaten trade partners with ultimatums, creating uncertainty.

European stock markets rose on Thursday after Donald Trump cancelled planned tariffs on eight European countries. The increase reversed losses from earlier in the week, driven by Trump's initial tariff threat related to Greenland. Analysts attributed the market rebound to a familiar pattern of Trump backing down from aggressive trade measures, dubbed the "Taco trade." The FTSE 100, Germany's Dax, and France's Cac all experienced gains, and Wall Street was forecast to open higher. Investors also reacted positively to developments in the Supreme Court case regarding Trump's attempt to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve board. While markets rallied, the S&P 500 and the US dollar remained weaker than their levels from the previous Friday.

In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, 2026, US President Donald Trump stated he would not use force to acquire Greenland, but called for negotiations with Denmark regarding its annexation. Trump insisted the acquisition of the autonomous Danish territory is crucial to US national security, despite rejection from Greenlanders and European leaders. He stated Denmark has a "choice" to agree or face consequences. Trump claimed the US is uniquely positioned to protect Greenland. An analyst noted this statement as a possible de-escalation, observing a shift in European and Danish strategies towards Trump on the Greenland issue.

Donald Trump's pursuit of acquiring Greenland from Denmark has escalated into a diplomatic crisis, potentially destabilizing transatlantic relations. Trump has not ruled out military intervention and has threatened tariffs to pressure Denmark into selling the territory. Greenland's Prime Minister has stated that the island's population and authorities need to start preparing for a possible military invasion. Greenland holds significant reserves of rare earth minerals, vital for various technologies, making it strategically important to the US and its G7 partners seeking to reduce reliance on China. Overlooking key North Atlantic and Arctic shipping lanes, Greenland's importance has grown as Washington and its G7 partners have sought to reduce their dependence on China’s dominance in processing critical minerals.

At the World Economic Forum on Wednesday, President Trump delivered a lengthy speech addressing European allies and reiterating his desire for the United States to control Greenland. He stated he would not use force to acquire the territory, but suggested consequences for those who oppose the acquisition. Trump argued that U.S. control of Greenland is vital for national security, citing potential exploitation by China and Russia, and criticized Denmark for perceived ingratitude. He referenced the U.S. defense of Greenland during World War II, despite the U.S. never having sovereignty over the territory. European leaders have rejected Trump's proposition, reinforcing NATO's presence and Denmark's military presence on the island.

In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, President Trump made several misleading statements. He falsely claimed the U.S. gave Greenland back to Denmark after World War II, distorting the nature of a wartime defense pact that granted the U.S. military base rights but not sovereignty. Trump also attacked the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and repeated previously debunked claims about the economy and his own record. Fact-checkers noted the Greenland claim misrepresented the historical agreement, which explicitly recognized Danish sovereignty.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Canadian politician Mark Carney stated that the existing US-led global order is experiencing a "rupture" characterized by great power competition and a weakening rules-based system. Speaking a day before Donald Trump's arrival, Carney argued that the world will not return to a pre-Trump status quo. He highlighted the benefits Canada derived from the previous order, including American hegemony, but noted the emergence of a system where powerful nations use economic integration for coercion. Carney urged middle powers like Canada to act collectively, warning that individual compliance will not ensure safety. Trump's arrival in Davos is expected to be contentious, particularly regarding his interest in acquiring Greenland, which has strained relations with European allies.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, US President Donald Trump delivered a speech covering various topics, including European environmental policies and Greenland. Trump stated he would not use force to acquire Greenland, but then argued for the US's potential ownership of the island. The speech took place during the annual meeting of global leaders in January 2020. The BBC's Economics Editor, Faisal Islam, provided insights into how the speech was received by those present in the room. The purpose of Trump's appearance was to address the global economic community and present his views on key issues.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned US President Donald Trump that imposing tariffs on countries opposing his push for Greenland is "a mistake." The EU and US had agreed to a trade deal in July, which must be respected, according to von der Leyen. She questioned the US trustworthiness and expressed concern that the proposed tariffs could plunge allies into a "dangerous downward spiral" that would aid adversaries. Trump has announced plans to impose 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1, with rates increasing to 25% in June. The US aims to acquire Greenland for national security and American interests. Von der Leyen vowed the EU's response would be "unflinching, united and proportional."

In Davos, Switzerland, on January 20, 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump's recent announcement of new tariffs on European allies related to Greenland. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, von der Leyen questioned Trump's reliability, emphasizing the need to uphold a trade agreement established in July. She stated that the imposition of these tariffs was an error. The EU views the tariffs as a violation of the existing trade deal. The dispute centers around trade relations between the U.S. and Europe following Trump's decision.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, French President Emmanuel Macron urged the EU to actively counter threats from the US and China. He specifically cited President Trump's threat of tariffs against European countries who sent troops to Greenland, a territory Trump wants to acquire. Macron advocated for the EU to utilize its anti-coercion instrument (ACI), a powerful trade weapon allowing retaliatory measures like tariffs and market bans. He emphasized that Europe risks becoming subservient if it doesn't respond decisively to these pressures. The ACI requires activation by the European Commission and approval from a qualified majority of member states.

The article describes the current state of US foreign policy under the second Trump administration. It argues that US foreign policy is being driven by President Trump's personal whims and erratic behavior. Recent examples include Trump's communication with the Norwegian prime minister regarding the Nobel Peace Prize, his interest in acquiring Greenland, and his invitation to Vladimir Putin to join a "board of peace" for Gaza. These actions have strained relationships with allies like France and Denmark, and threaten to undermine international organizations like the UN. The article suggests that world leaders are struggling to adapt to Trump's unpredictable decision-making.

US President Donald Trump has renewed his bid for Greenland after threatening a trade war against European countries that oppose his acquisition of the territory. In a message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Trump hinted that Oslo's failure to award him the Nobel Peace Prize is partly to blame for his stance. Trump has announced plans to impose 10% tariffs on exports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1, which would increase to 25% on June 1. The US wants to acquire Greenland due to concerns about its security, with Trump stating that "the world is not secure unless we have complete and total control of Greenland." Denmark has repeatedly stated that Greenland is not for sale. Norway's government is now considering a "trade bazooka" as a response to the tariff threat.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting is taking place in Davos, Switzerland from January 19-23, 2026. The forum brings together nearly 3,000 global leaders from business, politics, academia, and civil society to discuss pressing global issues. The WEF, a think tank based in Geneva, has held its annual summit in Davos since 1971. This year's meeting aims to shape global agendas amidst a time of significant global upheaval. Topics of discussion range from economic disparity and climate change to technology and global cooperation. US President Donald Trump is among the expected attendees.

Donald Trump has linked his threats to seize Greenland to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in a letter to Norway's Prime Minister. He threatened a 10% tariff on imports from several European countries starting February 1st until the US is allowed to buy Greenland. The EU is considering retaliatory tariffs and sanctions in response to what one minister called "blackmail." The mayor of Minneapolis criticized the potential military deployment to the city as exacerbating tensions amid largely peaceful protests against the presence of 3,000 immigration and border patrol officers. Trump stated he no longer feels obligated to think purely of peace.

In January 2026, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store criticized former US President Donald Trump after Trump texted about the Nobel Peace Prize and Greenland. Trump's message stated that because Norway "decided not to" award him the prize, he felt less obligated to focus on peace and reiterated his desire for US control of Greenland. Store responded by clarifying that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee, separate from the Norwegian government. The exchange highlights a continued interest by Trump in acquiring Greenland and his perception of the Nobel Peace Prize's influence on his foreign policy decisions.

Donald Trump expressed his frustration to Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre about not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, linking it to his desire for the U.S. to control Greenland. In a text message confirmed by U.S. media, Trump stated he no longer feels obligated to prioritize peace and believes the U.S. needs complete control of Greenland for security reasons. Støre said he and Finland's president had texted Trump to oppose proposed tariff increases related to the Greenland dispute. Trump questioned Denmark's right to ownership of Greenland and suggested they cannot protect it from Russia or China. He also implied NATO should support the U.S., while threatening tariffs on NATO allies who oppose his takeover proposal.

Donald Trump, while president, imposed tariffs on imported goods, arguing it would boost American manufacturing and reduce the US trade deficit. These tariffs, taxes paid by companies importing goods, could increase costs for consumers. Trump also threatened tariffs against allies like the UK and several European countries for opposing a US takeover of Greenland, and against China, Mexico, and Canada to pressure them on migration and drug control. The legality of Trump's tariffs, enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, was challenged in court, with a US appeals court ruling them mostly illegal in August 2025. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case in the coming weeks.

Gold and silver prices surged to record highs on Monday, while European stock markets declined following former U.S. President Trump's threat to impose tariffs on eight European countries. The proposed tariffs, aimed at pressuring those countries to sell Greenland to the U.S., triggered investor concern and a shift towards safe-haven assets. Gold rose 1.6% to $4,666 an ounce, and silver climbed to $94.08 an ounce before easing slightly. European markets like France's Cac 40 and Germany's Dax experienced drops of over 1%. The tariff threat also weakened the U.S. dollar against the Swiss franc and Japanese yen. EU ambassadors are reportedly preparing retaliatory measures in response to Trump's potential actions.

The World Economic Forum annual meeting is commencing in Davos, Switzerland. The event, scheduled for January 2026, occurs amid rising global inequality and unease. The meeting brings together elite figures from business, politics, and other sectors. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, known for his pro-business stance, is expected to attend. The event will take place at the Congress Center, with preparations including setting up venues and security measures. The forum aims to address pressing global issues, although the specific agenda for the 2026 meeting is not detailed in this information.

In January 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump sent a message to Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store expressing resentment over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump stated that because Norway "decided not to give" him the prize for supposedly stopping eight wars, he no longer feels obligated to "think purely of peace." The message's authenticity was confirmed by sources and Store himself. Store clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government. Trump has a history of expressing bitterness about not receiving the award, which resurfaced after a Venezuelan opposition leader presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. The reasons for Trump directing the message to the Norwegian government remain unclear.

After not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, US President Donald Trump told Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store that he no longer felt obligated to focus "purely on peace." In a message confirmed by Store's office, Trump stated his desire to prioritize what is "good and proper" for the United States. He referenced having stopped eight wars and reiterated his interest in the US taking control of Greenland. Store clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government. The message suggests a shift in Trump's foreign policy focus away from solely pursuing peace initiatives.

The 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, faces a challenge as traditional ideals of global integration and cooperation clash with current geopolitical realities. Approximately 3,000 participants from 130 countries are attending the annual gathering of global leaders and executives. This year's forum is particularly marked by the influence of President Trump, whose policies and rhetoric stand in contrast to the forum's historical support for globalization and multilateralism. The event highlights a shift where deference to Trump's policies has overshadowed the forum's traditional focus. The forum's slogan, "Committed to Improving the State of the World," is being viewed with skepticism due to the contradictions between the attendees and the current global landscape.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on several European countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, set to begin in February and increase in June. These tariffs are intended to pressure Denmark into selling Greenland to the United States. Trump claims the acquisition is vital for US national security and to prevent China and Russia from gaining influence in the region. The European Union is holding emergency meetings to discuss a response to Trump's tariff threats. This is not the first time a US president has attempted to purchase Greenland, but leaders in Denmark and Greenland have consistently refused to sell.

Following Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on European countries linked to a NATO exercise on Greenland, EU ambassadors convened an emergency meeting in Brussels on Sunday. Trump's threat involves a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Great Britain, effective February 1st. The Dutch foreign minister called Trump's actions "blackmail," while a German association called for an "anti-coercion" response. A French minister stated that the US also stands to lose from the tariffs and deemed any US takeover of Greenland "unacceptable." The EU is considering its response, acknowledging the potential for a damaging escalation.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that "Europe won't be blackmailed" in response to US President Trump's threat of tariffs against eight European allies including Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK. Trump's threat stems from opposition to his proposed takeover of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory he deems critical for US security. The threatened countries issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, warning that Trump's plan risks a "dangerous downward spiral" and undermines transatlantic relations. They reiterated their commitment to Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest within NATO. The potential tariffs, which could range from 10% to 25%, are scheduled to take effect on February 1st if the allies continue to oppose the Greenland takeover.

The EU is considering retaliatory tariffs of $108 billion or market restrictions on US companies in response to former President Trump's threats against NATO allies concerning Greenland. These measures are being prepared to give European leaders leverage during meetings with Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump vowed to increase tariffs on eight European countries who have sent military staff to Greenland, until the US is allowed to buy the territory. These countries, already subject to existing US tariffs, issued a joint statement stating that their exercise in Greenland was to strengthen Arctic security and posed no threat. They also expressed readiness for dialogue based on sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Global stock markets are expected to decline when trading resumes due to President Trump's threat of new tariffs on eight European countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. The tariffs, purportedly linked to Trump's desire to acquire Greenland, are set to begin at 10% on February 1st and increase to 25% on June 1st. Analysts predict losses on the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street, with investors seeking safe-haven assets like gold and silver, which are already seeing price increases. European leaders have criticized the move, fearing it will undermine NATO and disrupt trade agreements. Business groups are urging the EU to respond.

The article discusses the potential failure of the EU's strategy of appeasement towards the US, exemplified by Donald Trump's recent threat of tariffs against countries supporting Greenland. This threat, impacting six EU member states, the UK, and Norway, follows a trade deal signed last July that critics viewed as heavily favoring the US. The EU hoped the deal would stabilize relations and maintain US support for Ukraine. However, Trump's tariff threat has united the European Parliament in opposition to the agreement, with figures across the political spectrum condemning it as blackmail. The future of the trade deal and the EU's approach to the US are now in question.

Thousands protested in Copenhagen and other Danish cities on Saturday against former U.S. President Donald Trump's past interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. The demonstrations, organized by Greenlandic associations, were a response to Trump's previous suggestion of imposing tariffs on countries opposing his plans for Greenland. Protesters waved Danish and Greenlandic flags while chanting slogans in Greenlandic. The protests coincided with a visit to Copenhagen by a U.S. congressional delegation, highlighting bipartisan opposition to Trump's approach. The organizers aimed to convey a message of respect for Greenland's democracy and human rights.

Donald Trump announced the U.S. would impose a 10% tariff on goods from several European countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, effective immediately. The tariff, slated to increase to 25% in 2026, is intended to pressure Denmark into selling Greenland to the United States. Trump claims the purchase is vital for U.S. national security and global peace, citing interest from China and Russia in the territory. He stated that the U.S. has unsuccessfully attempted to purchase Greenland for over 150 years. Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, holds strategic importance due to its location, U.S. military base, and access to resources.

In January 2026, President Trump announced the US would impose tariffs on eight European countries – Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom – for opposing US control of Greenland. The initial 10 percent tariffs are scheduled to begin February 1, increasing to 25 percent on June 1, and will remain until an agreement is reached for the US to buy Greenland. Trump stated the tariffs are in response to the countries sending representatives to Greenland "for purposes unknown" and obstructing the US acquisition of the territory. The US has been attempting to purchase Greenland for over 150 years, and Trump claims acquiring it is essential for the planned US missile defense shield. The announcement follows protests in Denmark and Greenland against Trump's threats to take control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

Donald Trump is threatening new tariffs on eight European countries, including the UK and several EU members, jeopardizing trade deals made last summer. This move has stalled EU ratification of the EU-US trade agreement, as major European Parliament blocs oppose approval given Trump's actions and reported interest in acquiring Greenland. The threatened tariffs target countries individually, despite the EU handling trade deals centrally. Both the EU and UK are currently negotiating to reduce existing US tariffs, particularly on steel. Observers suggest Trump's actions aim to divide Europe and suppress opposition to his Greenland ambitions. The EU is expected to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.

Thousands protested in Denmark and Greenland on January 17, 2026, against U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to take control of Greenland. Demonstrations occurred in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense, and Nuuk, with protesters waving Danish and Greenlandic flags. The protests were organized in response to Trump's repeated attempts to gain control of the self-governing Danish territory, which both Greenland and Denmark have rejected. Trump announced tariffs on several European allies opposing US control of Greenland, starting with 10% in February and potentially rising to 25% in June, until an agreement is reached for the US to purchase Greenland. Organizers stated the protests aimed to show support for Greenland and alert the world to the issue.