Trump Renews Greenland Demands in Controversial Davos Address
Former US President Donald Trump has delivered a remarkable speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, reiterating his desire for the United States to acquire Greenland while launching fresh attacks on NATO and European immigration policies. The volatile political figure insisted he would "not use force" to seize the Danish territory but demanded immediate negotiations for its purchase.
'A Piece of Ice for World Protection'
In his characteristically unconventional address, Trump framed the potential acquisition as essential for global security, describing Greenland as "a piece of ice, cold and poorly located, that can play a vital role in world peace and world protection." He proposed establishing what he called a "Golden Dome" missile defence system with its outer edge positioned in Greenland, claiming this would "keep our very energetic and dangerous potential enemies at bay."
The former president argued this represented "a very small ask" compared to what America has allegedly provided NATO allies over decades. "Now what I'm asking for is a piece of ice," he repeated, downplaying the significance of acquiring the world's largest island while simultaneously emphasising its strategic importance.
NATO Criticism and European Immigration Attacks
Trump's speech contained particularly harsh criticism of the NATO alliance, claiming the United States has "never gotten anything" from its membership. "The problem with NATO is that we'll be there for them 100 per cent, but I'm not sure that they'd be there for us," he stated, despite acknowledging his efforts to secure a Ukraine peace deal as helping both Europe and the alliance.
The address also featured familiar anti-immigration rhetoric directed at Europe, with Trump claiming the continent had become "unrecognisable" due to "unchecked mass migration." He asserted Europe was importing "entirely different populations from far away lands" and warned that "between immigration and energy – if they don't change, bad things will happen to them."
British Resistance and Diplomatic Tensions
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivered his strongest rebuke yet to Trump's Greenland ambitions during Prime Minister's Questions, declaring: "I will not yield, Britain will not yield on our principles and values about the future of Greenland under threats of tariffs." The Prime Minister connected Trump's criticism of Britain's Chagos Islands agreement with Mauritius to pressure tactics over Greenland, noting the American's changed position appeared "expressly to pressure me and Britain."
Trump has threatened Britain and other European allies with 10 per cent tariffs from 1 February unless they acquiesce to his Greenland purchase plans – a threat Starmer has labelled "completely wrong." The remarks have further strained transatlantic relations already tense over the Danish territory, with NATO leaders attempting to prevent a full diplomatic crisis.
Unusual Dissent from Traditional Allies
In a rare moment of public disagreement, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage challenged Trump's NATO comments following the Davos speech. While describing Trump as "a friend," Farage countered: "He said NATO have never given us anything back. I would object to that politely." The Brexit architect highlighted Britain's military contributions in Afghanistan, noting proportional spending and casualty figures comparable to America's.
"We have when it comes to honouring our commitments to America more than done our bit in terms of action over the last 20 years," Farage asserted, presenting an unusual British conservative challenge to Trump's narrative of unilateral American sacrifice within the alliance.
The Davos address contained several characteristic Trump moments, including apparently misnaming Greenland as Iceland at one point and recounting being called "daddy" by European leaders. "They called me daddy. A very smart man said, 'He's our daddy, he's running it,'" Trump claimed, before returning to his Greenland demands.
As diplomatic tensions escalate over the Arctic territory, Trump's renewed push for Greenland acquisition – coupled with his criticism of European allies and immigration policies – signals potential turbulence ahead for transatlantic relations should he return to power.
