Former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at reviving his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland during a pre-World Economic Forum event, reigniting diplomatic tensions with Denmark and prompting scrutiny from Arctic policy experts.
- Trump referenced Greenland acquisition strategy at Davos pre-meeting, saying, 'You'll find out.'
- Greenland’s population is approximately 57,000, with self-governance under Denmark.
- U.S. plans to spend $4.3 billion on Arctic infrastructure over the next five years.
- Thule Air Base in Greenland supports a U.S.-Danish missile detection system.
- Denmark and Greenland reject purchase proposals; emphasize sovereignty and partnership.
- Shares in Danish defense firm Terma A/S rose 3.2% post-news announcement.
Donald Trump addressed international delegates at a private luncheon ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he reaffirmed his belief that Greenland holds strategic value for the United States. Speaking without elaborating on specific mechanisms, Trump stated, 'You'll find out,' suggesting a potential revival of efforts to negotiate or assert sovereignty over the Danish autonomous territory. The remarks come amid growing geopolitical interest in Arctic resources and shipping routes as ice melt accelerates across the region. Greenland, home to approximately 57,000 residents and a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has been under intense global attention due to its vast mineral deposits—including rare earth elements—and its position along emerging polar trade corridors. In 2019, Trump made headlines by expressing interest in purchasing Greenland, a proposal rejected by both Danish officials and the Greenlandic government. Since then, the U.S. Department of Defense has conducted multiple assessments of Arctic defense infrastructure, including expanded radar surveillance in Thule, Greenland, which now hosts a joint U.S.-Danish early-warning system capable of detecting intercontinental ballistic missiles. The current geopolitical climate intensifies pressure on the U.S. to solidify its Arctic presence. According to the Pentagon’s 2025 Arctic Strategy Report, the U.S. plans to invest $4.3 billion over the next five years in Arctic infrastructure, including port upgrades and cold-weather training facilities. Analysts note that any renewed push for Greenland acquisition—even through diplomatic channels—could strain transatlantic alliances, particularly with NATO partners who view Danish sovereignty as a cornerstone of European security architecture. Global markets reacted cautiously: shares in major Danish defense contractors, including Terma A/S (ticker: TERMA), rose 3.2% following the news, reflecting investor speculation about increased defense spending. Meanwhile, Greenlandic leaders reiterated their commitment to self-determination, with Prime Minister Múte Eriksen stating publicly that Greenland's future lies in partnership, not transaction.