“How Stupid Were We?”: Trump Invokes WWII History In Davos To Demand Greenland

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND — In a fiery and unconventional address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, US President Donald Trump escalated his campaign to acquire Greenland, framing the territorial dispute through the lens of World War II history.

The president told an audience of global leaders that the US decision to hand the territory back to Denmark after the war was a historical blunder. “Right now, you all would be speaking German and a little Japanese, perhaps,” Trump remarked, suggesting that US military might is the only factor preventing a global power shift.

1. The Historical Argument: “Giving It Back Was Stupid”

Trump argued that the United States has a natural right to “ownership” of the semi-autonomous territory due to its role in securing the North Atlantic during the 1940s.

• The “Gift”: Trump claimed that the US essentially “gave” Greenland back to Denmark after the war and labeled the move as “stupid.”
• Security Monopoly: He asserted that no other nation possesses the power to secure the Arctic region. “We’re a great power… I think they found that out two weeks ago in Venezuela,” he added, referencing the recent US military operation to depose the Venezuelan leadership.
• Ungrateful Allies: He criticized Denmark and other NATO members as “ungrateful” for the decades of American security subsidies.

2. “I Won’t Use Force” (But Strength is On the Table)

In what he called the “biggest statement” of his speech, Trump clarified his methods for acquisition while still emphasizing American dominance.

• Unstoppable Force: The President claimed that while the US military would be “frankly, unstoppable” if it chose to take Greenland by force, he has decided against it.
• The Quote: “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,” he told the stunned assembly, hoping to alleviate fears of a military annexation.

3. The Tariff Ultimatum: A New Trade War

While military force may be off the table, economic “force” is imminent. Trump has linked the transfer of Greenland directly to US trade policy.

• The Escalation: Starting next month, a 10% tariff will be slapped on imports from Denmark and seven other allies. If a deal isn’t reached by June, those rates will skyrocket to 25%.
• The Nobel Grudge: In a private text to Norway’s prime minister, Trump reportedly linked his aggressive stance to being snubbed for the Nobel Peace Prize last year, stating he no longer feels an “obligation to think purely of peace.”

Global Reactions: “I Will Not Yield”

The European response has been one of defiance.

• UK Stance: Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the House of Commons, stating firmly, “Britain will not yield on our principles and values about the future of Greenland under threats of tariffs.”
• Danish Sovereignty: Danish officials continue to maintain that “Greenland is not for sale,” emphasizing that it is an autonomous territory with its own right to self-determination.

Trump’s Proposed Tariff Timeline (2026)