Trump Faces European Opposition as Greenland Plans Take Center Stage at Davos

WASHINGTON / DAVOS | Jan 21 (GeokHub) U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to push his controversial plan to acquire Greenland during his visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, facing growing opposition from European allies and NATO officials.

Trump signaled optimism about reaching a deal while framing Greenland as essential for U.S. national security. “We need it for security purposes. We need it for national security,” he said during a news conference ahead of his departure for the Swiss forum.

Tensions with NATO and Europe

NATO leaders have cautioned that Trump’s Greenland strategy could strain transatlantic relations. Danish and Greenlandic officials have proposed various alternatives for a greater U.S. presence on the strategic Arctic territory, home to roughly 57,000 residents.

In a breach of diplomatic protocol, Trump shared private messages from French President Emmanuel Macron, in which Macron suggested a G7 meeting in Paris after Davos. Macron expressed confusion over Trump’s Greenland ambitions: “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.” France has also proposed a NATO exercise in Greenland, while Copenhagen has hinted at deploying troops in 2026.

Trump Links Greenland to Global Strategy

Trump has positioned Greenland as a safeguard against Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, though experts note little evidence of active threats in the region. Sources familiar with the situation say Trump’s push is also motivated by a desire to leave a historic territorial legacy, reminiscent of the U.S. acquisition of Alaska and Hawaii in 1959.

Davos Agenda and Domestic Policy

While Greenland dominates headlines, Trump’s original Davos agenda includes keynote remarks on U.S. economic growth and housing policy. The White House said he will unveil a plan allowing Americans to use 401(k) retirement funds for home down payments, aimed at alleviating housing costs.

Trump is also scheduled to meet leaders from Switzerland, Poland, and Egypt, and preside over the inauguration of the Board of Peace, a U.S.-led initiative to redevelop Gaza, which he suggested could take on broader global crises, a role typically associated with the United Nations.

Trump is slated to return to Washington on Thursday, concluding his Davos visit amid a mix of economic messaging and escalating geopolitical tensions.