"I just want a piece of ice." Trump said he wouldn't seize Greenland by force
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Donald Trump reiterated that he considers Greenland an object of potential purchase. According to him, "only property can truly be protected," and therefore it is the US, not Europe or NATO, that can guarantee the island's security.
Donald Trump. Photo: AP Photo/Evan Vucci
Trump stated that he does not intend to use military force and seeks "immediate negotiations" for the purchase of Greenland, citing Washington's strategic interests.
Addressing NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, he noted that Washington, he claimed, "never got anything from the alliance" except when threatening excessive force. However, Trump emphasized: "But I will not do that. This is my main promise — I will not use violence."
"All the US asks for is a place called 'Greenland,' which we already had, but which we gave back to Denmark after defeating the Germans, Japanese, Italians, and others in World War II. We were a very powerful army then, but we are a much more powerful army now," Trump declared. He later formulated it even more simply: "I just want a piece of ice."
He also criticized Greenlanders for "ungratefulness," stating that "it was foolish for the US to give Greenland back to Denmark."
Towards the end of his speech, Trump moved to more resolute formulations, sending an unambiguous signal to NATO allies: "You can say 'yes,' and we will be very grateful. Or say 'no' — and we will remember that."
The speech, which lasted almost half an hour, did not elicit applause — the hall reacted only with rare laughter after gaffes and sharp statements. The President also complained about the "unfair treatment" of the US in NATO, noting that America invests more than anyone else in the alliance but receives little in return.