Trump Signals Readiness to Escalate Over Greenland, Downplays NATO Risks and Tariff Backlash
US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his controversial stance over Greenland, suggesting he is prepared to use alternative measures if courts block his proposed tariff strategy linked to the Arctic territory. Speaking at a press conference ahead of his departure to Davos, Trump made clear that tariffs are only one of several tools at his disposal.
Asked what would happen if the Supreme Court ruled against his tariff threats connected to Greenland, Trump responded that he would “have to use something else,” adding cryptically that there are “other alternatives.” When directly asked whether force could be used, Trump avoided a clear denial, instead referring vaguely to “licenses” and unspecified options.
Trump insisted that the tariff approach remains, in his words, “the strongest, the fastest, the easiest, the least complicated” method to achieve US objectives. He also dismissed concerns that trade retaliation could unravel nearly one trillion dollars in European investment commitments secured by Washington, saying the European side “needs that agreement very badly.”
The US president confirmed that multiple meetings on Greenland are scheduled during his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, expressing confidence that the situation would “work out pretty well.” At the same time, he rejected an invitation to attend an emergency G7 meeting in Paris, offered by French President Emmanuel Macron, questioning Macron’s political longevity and saying he preferred talks with leaders he considers “directly involved.”
Trump also brushed aside warnings that his determination to take control of Greenland could threaten the unity of NATO. He claimed that no US president has done more for the alliance, crediting himself with pushing allies toward defence spending of up to five percent of GDP. According to Trump, NATO was “weak” before his leadership and is now stronger, but he stressed that the alliance is only effective because of US participation.
Pressed on whether the potential breakup of NATO would be an acceptable price for securing Greenland, Trump said he believed an outcome would be found that makes “everybody very happy,” arguing that US control of Greenland is necessary for national and global security.
When questioned about Greenlanders’ clear opposition to becoming part of the United States, Trump dismissed concerns over self-determination, stating that once he speaks to them personally, he is “sure they’ll be thrilled.” The remark directly contradicts repeated statements from Greenlandic and Danish leaders asserting the right of the island’s population to decide its own future.
Trump also defended his broader record, including his immigration policies and his role on the global stage, claiming strong borders, economic success, and moral leadership. He reiterated his belief that NATO is “sometimes overrated,” but concluded by saying the alliance remains strong because of the United States.
The remarks are likely to further inflame tensions with European allies, who have already warned that sovereignty over Greenland is non-negotiable and that economic coercion between partners risks undermining transatlantic stability.
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