President Donald Trump on Wednesday reiterated his controversial argument that the United States must obtain full “right, title and ownership” of Greenland — rather than secure it through a lease or agreement — because, in his view, only ownership ensures effective defense. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump argued that defending territory under a lease is neither legally nor psychologically viable, and suggested that U.S. national security hinges on complete control of the Arctic island.
“All we are asking for is to get Greenland, including full title and ownership, because you need ownership to defend it,” Trump said, drawing a distinction between permanent ownership and temporary arrangements. “You can’t defend it on a lease. Legally, it’s not defensible that way. Totally. And psychologically, who the hell wants to defend a license agreement?”
Trump:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 21, 2026
All we’re asking for is Greenland—full right, title, and ownership. Because you need ownership to defend it. You can’t defend it on a lease.
Number one: legally, it’s not defensible that way—at all.
Number two: psychologically, who wants to defend a license agreement? pic.twitter.com/chON3taI3Y
Trump’s comments underscore his long‑standing contention that Greenland — a semi‑autonomous territory of Denmark with strategic importance in the Arctic — should fall under U.S. sovereignty, rather than remain under the current sovereign arrangements that include long‑term leases for American military installations. He argued that a lease is inherently weaker because those who do not own the territory would be less committed to its defense, especially amid heightened geopolitical competition.
His remarks, delivered before an international audience of world leaders and diplomats, built on the president’s broader rhetoric that the United States has borne disproportionate responsibility for defense through NATO and other alliances, often without what he considers adequate reciprocity. Trump asserted that only full American control could guarantee Greenland’s security against potential threats, including from Russia or China.
While Trump insisted he does not intend to use military force to acquire Greenland, his insistence on ownership as a precondition for defense — and his sharp questioning of the value of defending territory under lease — has drawn international scrutiny and criticism. European leaders, including Denmark, have repeatedly affirmed their sovereignty over the territory and rejected suggestions of selling or ceding control.
The debate over leases versus ownership highlights broader tensions over Arctic security, NATO burden‑sharing, and U.S. foreign policy priorities, even as Trump seeks diplomatic negotiations rather than armed intervention.
