Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska told reporters on Wednesday that President Donald Trump “should never have threatened” military force or other pressure to acquire Greenland from Denmark, an ally, arguing the approach caused “grave damage” to U.S. credibility with European partners.
Bacon, a former Air Force officer and NATO veteran, spoke to CBS News reporters after Trump’s address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where the president explicitly ruled out using force to secure Greenland. In his speech, Trump said: “We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be, frankly, unstoppable. But I won’t do that… I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) told reporters on Wednesday that “there’s been grave damage done with our European allies” and “it’s going to take probably the next president to spend a lot of his time trying to fix” the relationship between the United States and Europe.
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 22, 2026
“Right now, our… pic.twitter.com/yh2E60ToNd
Trump described the United States as seeking “immediate negotiations” for “right, title and ownership” of Greenland, citing its strategic location and historical U.S. presence during World War II. He also claimed his pressure had driven NATO allies to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP from the previous 2% target, stating: “They went to 5% and now they’re paying the 5%. They didn’t pay the 2% and now they’re paying the 5%, and they’re stronger for it.”
Bacon argued the threats undermined trust among allies. “It was right to do so, but he should never have threatened it to begin with, and nor his team. It’s an ally,” he said. “There’s been grave damage done with our European allies, and I know this first hand. I’ve had elected leaders visit me in my office today. I had socialized with them last night, and I can just tell they’re—we’ve undermined the connections that really have helped our country be more secure.”
When asked if the damage was permanent or repairable, Bacon replied: “It’s going to take probably the next president to spend a lot of his time trying to fix this. Because right now, our allies in Europe, they don’t think we’re dependable, and that’s a shame.”
For the first time, President Trump has ruled out using military force to take possession of Greenland.
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 21, 2026
During his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the president said: "We probably won't get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force where we would… pic.twitter.com/vA9YiL8O0F
The comments came after a “framework deal” announced in mid-January 2026 at Davos, providing the United States access to Greenland’s minerals and military basing rights through NATO channels without a sovereignty transfer. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the outcome during the forum.
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump CONFIRMS the United States will have "TOTAL ACCESS" to Greenland and can even construct the Golden Dome air defense system over it
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 22, 2026
Art of the Deal MASTER.
"Essentially – it's TOTAL ACCESS. And there's no end!"
"We're getting everything we want. NO… pic.twitter.com/0IzyfNnpMs
Bacon’s remarks drew polarized reactions on social media, with some Trump supporters describing the president’s tactics as effective bargaining, while others criticized the congressman for disloyalty.
No immediate response from the White House or Danish officials was available following Bacon’s statements. The full exchange with reporters was posted by CBS News on social media. Video of Trump’s Davos speech is available through World Economic Forum on their website.
