By Joke Kujenya
UNITED STATES President Donald Trump on Wednesday told European leaders that without American intervention in World War II (WWII), much of the world would now be speaking German “and a little Japanese.”
JKNewsMedia.com reports that he used his first appearance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in six years to revive his controversial push for Greenland.
Taking the stage in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said the United States “won World War II big,” casting Washington as the decisive force that reshaped global history.
“Without us right now, you would all be speaking German and a little Japanese,” he told a packed hall of political and business leaders.
Greenland claim revived
Before making the remark, Trump returned to his long-standing ambition to acquire Greenland, arguing that Denmark was unable to defend the territory during WWII.
“Denmark fell to Germany after just six hours of fighting and was totally unable to defend either itself or Greenland,” he said. “So, the US was then compelled, and we did it.”
Trump expressed frustration that Washington allowed Denmark to retain Greenland after the war, describing the decision as a mistake.
“After the war, we gave Greenland back to Denmark. How stupid were we to do that? But we did it,” he said, branding Denmark “ungrateful”.
‘Immediate negotiations’, but no force
Trump said he was seeking “immediate negotiations” with Denmark over the acquisition of the vast, mineral-rich Arctic territory, which he argued was essential for both US and global security.
“It’s the US alone that can protect this giant mass of land, this giant piece of ice, develop it and improve it,” he said.
However, he sought to reassure allies that military action was not on the table.
“We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be frankly unstoppable, but I won’t do that,” Trump said. “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”
Denmark, he added, had “a choice”.
“You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no and we will remember. A strong and secure America means a strong North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).”
NATO tensions deepen
Trump’s remarks heightened already strained relations within the transatlantic alliance, as he again questioned whether NATO members would come to the United States’ defence.
“We are treated so unfairly,” he said, repeating long-standing complaints about burden-sharing.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte acknowledged growing tensions but urged restraint.
“There are these tensions at the moment, there’s no doubt,” Rutte told reporters in Davos, calling for “thoughtful diplomacy” amid what he described as an existential challenge for the alliance.
France also weighed in, with President Emmanuel Macron’s office saying Paris had proposed a NATO military exercise in Greenland and was ready to contribute.
Macron warned earlier in the week against US attempts to “subordinate Europe” and criticised Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on allies backing Denmark.
Davos overshadowed
Trump’s Greenland comments dominated the annual meeting, overshadowing discussions on the global economy and security.
He arrived in Davos by helicopter around two hours behind schedule after an electrical issue forced Air Force One to return to Washington earlier and switched aircraft.
In a sign of visible dissent, the slogan “No Kings,” a reference to a US protest chant was carved into the snow overlooking the alpine resort overnight.
European leaders and Canada have increasingly closed ranks against what they view as a challenge to the US-led global order.
JKNewsMedia.com also notes that Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney warned on Tuesday of a potential “rupture” in the international system, a speech that drew a standing ovation.
Greenland’s prime minister said earlier this week that the island’s population of about 57,000 must be prepared for rising geopolitical pressure as tensions intensify.
