Ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, US President Donald Trump has once again reiterated his controversial claim over Greenland, citing what he described as a growing Russian and Chinese security threat and accusing European nations of ignoring repeated warnings from NATO.
Speaking to reporters late Monday, Trump said European countries had failed for decades to take seriously concerns raised by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation about the strategic importance of the autonomous Danish territory.
According to Reuters, Trump alleged that Europe had overlooked NATO warnings for nearly 20 years, allowing foreign influence to expand in the Arctic region.
Shortly after his remarks, Trump took to Truth Social, stating that he had held a “good” conversation with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and asserted that US control of Greenland was essential for global stability.
“Greenland is imperative for National and World Security. There can be no going back — on that, everyone agrees,” Trump wrote.
Security Concerns and NATO Angle
Speaking in Florida, Trump repeated his assertion that Denmark lacks the military capability to adequately defend Greenland, claiming that the island’s strategic location makes it vital for Western security interests.
“We have to have it. They have to have this done,” Trump said, according to Bloomberg, reiterating his long-held position that US involvement is unavoidable.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is strategically located between North America and Europe and plays a growing role in Arctic geopolitics, particularly as climate change opens new shipping routes and resource access.
Nobel Peace Prize Reference Sparks Controversy
Adding to the controversy, Trump has reportedly linked his Greenland claims to his not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025. In a letter sent to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump expressed frustration over the decision, suggesting it had altered his approach to global diplomacy.
“Considering your country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped eight wars, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of peace,” Trump wrote, adding that his priority would be “what is good for the United States.”
In the same letter, Trump questioned Denmark’s historical claim over Greenland, arguing that there were no formal ownership documents and dismissing long-standing sovereignty assertions.
The remarks have drawn widespread attention ahead of the Davos summit, where global leaders are expected to discuss security, geopolitics, and international cooperation.
