In a surprising move at the World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on NATO and Europe, while doubling down on his demands for Greenland. The increasingly volatile president claimed that the US has “never gotten anything” from being part of the NATO alliance, and argued that a US takeover of Greenland is “a very small ask” compared to what his country has done for its fellow members.
Trump stated that he wants immediate talks to discuss acquiring the Danish territory, but vowed he would “not use force” to seize it. He said the US is “the only country” that could secure the island, which he claims is needed for US national security purposes. However, the president backtracked on his previous threats, saying he does not “want to use force” and “won’t use force.”
The US leader also launched a scathing attack on Europe, claiming it was “unrecognizable” due to immigration – echoing a trope repeated by the European and American far-right. He said “certain places in Europe are not even recognizable anymore” and warned that “between immigration and energy – if they don’t change, bad things will happen to them.”
Trump’s remarks will further fuel tensions between Europe and Washington over the Danish territory as NATO leaders attempt to prevent a diplomatic crisis. Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK’s Labour Party, has used his strongest language yet to push back against the US president, saying he “will not yield” in his stance over Greenland and vowing to stand up to Trump’s threats to annex it.
The president also appeared to misspeak, referring to Greenland as “Iceland” at one point and claiming that NATO allies had called him “daddy” for “running it.” His comments come as he continues to demand that Denmark and other European nations agree to his purchase of Greenland, threatening 10% tariffs if they refuse.
Despite Trump’s criticism, Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform UK party, pushed back against the president’s comments about NATO, saying Britain has “more than done our bit” for the alliance over the past 20 years.
