DAVOS, Switzerland — President Donald Trump’s renewed drive to assert U.S. influence over Greenland has pushed relations with European allies to a boiling point and made the World Economic Forum this week a high-stakes diplomatic stage.
Trump has repeatedly said the United States should have greater control or ownership of Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, arguing its strategic importance for security and Arctic competition. His comments have included threats of tariffs on European nations that resist the effort and rhetoric that some leaders view as undermining established alliances.
Denmark, backed by the European Union and NATO partners, has firmly rejected any suggestion that Greenland could be transferred to the United States. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said her government is open to cooperation on security and investment but will not compromise Greenland’s sovereignty.
At Davos, European officials including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are preparing responses aimed at de-escalating tensions and protecting transatlantic cooperation, even as Trump presses his narrative.
What this means in practice is that the gathering of global leaders has become an ad-hoc venue for urgent talks on Arctic geopolitics, alliance unity, and trade relations rather than its usual economic agenda. Delegates are expected to discuss ways to reaffirm respect for international norms and avoid a broader rift between the United States and its traditional partners.
