The topic of Greenland is poised to become a focal point of Trump's attendance at the Davos forum. On January 20th local time, US President Trump stated at a White House press conference that the United States would formulate a plan regarding the status of Greenland that would be "very satisfactory to NATO." However, Trump did not reveal any details about this plan. When asked "how do you intend to acquire Greenland," Trump replied, "You'll find out very soon." The latest information indicates that Trump's presidential aircraft, Air Force One, made an emergency return to Joint Base Andrews in Washington approximately one hour into its flight to Switzerland on the evening of the 20th. White House Press Secretary Levitt stated the reason was that the crew on Air Force One detected "a minor electrical fault," and out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to turn back. A White House statement said that Trump had continued his journey to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, aboard a different aircraft. "There is no turning back." Trump told reporters that he would participate in multiple meetings concerning Greenland during his time in Davos. "I believe we will find a solution that satisfies both NATO and us. For security reasons, we need it [Greenland], there is no turning back on this. We need it to ensure national security, even world security. It is very important." That same day, Trump also dismissed suggestions that a US attempt to take over Greenland could lead to a split within NATO. He expressed that his primary concern regarding NATO is that the US invests a massive amount of money and pledges to aid member nations, but questions whether other countries would reciprocate if America needed help. He mentioned that, due to his efforts, NATO members are looking to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP. "I have contributed more to NATO than anyone," Trump said. "But NATO also has to be fair to us." When asked if he was committed to keeping the United States in NATO, Trump stated that he has always maintained good relations with other NATO members and that the alliance has "gotten stronger" since he entered the White House. "Whether you like it or not, NATO's strength depends on our [US] strength. Without the United States, NATO would not be very strong," Trump asserted. Recently, residents of Greenland have held large-scale protests opposing the American plan. Congress moves to block tariffs on multiple European nations. On the 19th, bipartisan members of the US Congress pledged to take legislative action to prevent Trump from threatening tariffs on the European Union over the Greenland issue. Last week, Trump first mentioned the tariff threat during a roundtable meeting at the White House, announcing a 10% tariff on all goods exported to the US from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, effective February 1st. These tariffs would increase to 25% starting June 1, 2026. "These tariffs will remain in effect until a comprehensive agreement on the acquisition of Greenland is reached," Trump stated. Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen posted on a social media platform that he was surprised by the tariff announcement, following what he described as a constructive meeting with US Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio. Rasmussen noted that the increased Danish military presence in Greenland mentioned by Trump was intended to enhance Arctic security and was conducted "with full transparency with our American allies." On the 20th, US House Speaker, Republican Representative Johnson, said in a media interview that he did not believe the US would pursue military intervention in Greenland and expressed confidence that "diplomacy is the right path." Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Congress can block the tariffs from taking effect if both chambers pass a joint resolution of disapproval. However, Trump could veto such a resolution, meaning lawmakers would need to secure a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate to override the veto—a high bar seen as difficult to clear, as it would require significant defection from Republican lawmakers. The Democratic ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Gregory Meeks, stated that he would introduce a resolution to terminate the tariffs. Senate Minority Leader, Democratic Senator Schumer of New York, said Senate Democrats plan to introduce binding legislation. Last weekend, a bipartisan congressional delegation visited Denmark and Greenland. A member of that delegation, Democratic Senator Coons of Delaware, expressed in Copenhagen his hope that the Danish people would not "lose faith in the American people." "Greenland is part of Denmark. Denmark is our NATO ally. That's the fact," Coons stated.
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