“Greenland—This Is Our Territory.”

US President Donald Trump called for talks on the acquisition of Greenland by the United States to begin as soon as possible, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

In his remarks, he criticized Denmark, arguing that the country lacks sufficient capacity to defend Greenland. Trump again stressed that the island is, in his words, essential to the United States “for national security and international security.”

“This vast, unprotected island is effectively part of North America. It is our territory,” the president said. He also added that, in his view, the United States “acted foolishly” by returning Greenland to Denmark after the end of World War II.

Trump separately emphasized that he has no intention of using force to obtain “this big, beautiful piece of ice.” “We have never asked for anything and never gotten anything. We will probably get nothing unless I decide to use excessive force and violence. But I will not do that,” he said.

According to the president, the idea of Greenland joining the United States poses no threat to NATO. On the contrary, Trump said, “it would significantly strengthen the security of the entire alliance—the NATO alliance.”

“All we are asking for is to get Greenland, including ownership rights. Because to defend it, you need ownership. You cannot defend it under a lease,” the US president said.