Davos, Switzerland, 21 January 2026 (dpa/MIA) - US President Donald Trump said in a keynote speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday that he "won't use force" to take control of Greenland, but he wants "immediate negotiations" over a US acquisition.

"People thought I would use force, but I don't have to use force," the US president told the forum - and many in the rest of the world watching the livestream from the Swiss resort.

"I don't want to use force. I won't use force."

European leaders had been on edge after repeated Trump statements insisting the Arctic island, which is part of Denmark, become part of the United States for national and global security reasons.

Previously Trump had refused to say whether he would rule out sending the US military to fulfil his demand.

In Davos he said he was "seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States."

Ministers from Denmark, Greenland and the US along with US Vice President JD Vance already met in Washington on the issue, but those talks yielded little results. The Danes said a working group was being set up to find a way forward. US troops are already stationed in Greenland.

Trump, who spent most of his career in New York real estate, insisted again that the US needs ownership of the large Arctic territory for the sake of setting up a missile defence system and international security.

"You can’t defend it on a lease," Trump said.

Only the US "is in any position to be able to secure Greenland," he told the audience in Davos.

Trump has planned a number of meetings on Greenland during the high-profile gathering in the Swiss Alpine resort.

European NATO allies have voiced solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, but Trump said he would impose punitive tariffs from February 1 to pressure opponents of a sale of the Arctic island to the US.

Trump, in a speech laden with grievances and his feeling that the US helps others with little to nothing in return, said the US position on acquiring Greenland from Denmark had not changed. The large island is also thought to be rich in minerals.

"You can say yes and we will be very appreciative or you can say no and we will remember," he remarked.

Trump also discussed other issues during his speech including domestic politics, the future of Venezuela, green energy and his belief that Europe is in decline, but all ears were on his Greenland comments after days of concern in European capitals.

Photo: EPA