President Donald Trump emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland in a recent interview, saying the island is “very important” as he prepares to meet European leaders in Davos to discuss his plan to bring it under U.S. control.
When asked what he expects from European leaders who might push back on the proposal, Trump said, “Well, I don’t think they’re going to push back too much. Look, we have to have it. They have to have this done. They can’t protect it.” He acknowledged Denmark’s leadership, calling Danish officials “wonderful people,” but questioned their ability to defend Greenland, adding, “They don’t even go there. And you know, because a boat went there 500 years ago and then left, that doesn’t give you title to property.”
Trump framed the discussion with European leaders as part of his broader record on NATO. “We’ve had tremendous success, and I’ve done more for NATO than anybody else. I don’t think you’d have NATO right now. I got them to go 5% and pay, as opposed to 2% and not pay. I’ve done more than any other American president for NATO by far,” he said, linking his efforts to secure Greenland with his administration’s broader security initiatives.
He concluded the discussion by reiterating the island’s significance, stating simply, “Greenland is very important.” The comments signal that Trump intends to press forward with his ambitions regarding Greenland, framing the issue as central to U.S. national and global security, even as European allies have repeatedly resisted the idea of the United States acquiring the territory.
I spoke to @SecGenNATO, @EmmanuelMacron, @Keir_Starmer, @bundeskanzler and @GiorgiaMeloni.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 18, 2026
Together we stand firm in our commitment to uphold the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.
We will always protect our strategic economic and security interests.
We…
