Topline
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told reporters Tuesday he cannot rule out a U.S. invasion, saying the island’s government will have to start preparing for a possible incursion as troops from Denmark and some NATO countries have arrived in Greenland to bolsters its defenses.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stands among Greenlandic flags as he attends a protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
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Key Facts
Nielsen said it is “not likely there will be a military conflict, but it can’t be ruled out,” in Greenland, where military forces from Denmark and seven other NATO countries have been deployed.
The comments come as Greenland is a top focus at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where California Gov. Gavin Newsom blasted world leaders Tuesday, telling them to “get off your knees and grow a spine” as President Donald Trump reiterates his plans to take control of Greenland.
Speaking to reporters, Newsom said that by “standing with more conviction,” the European Union has an opportunity to “punch him in the face.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in her special address at the forum on Tuesday that the European response to Trump’s tariffs would be “unflinching, united and proportional,” pledging her “full solidarity with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Other European leaders spoke critically of the U.S. president, with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever saying during the forum Trump could “make us slaves” unless they take action, Politico reported.
He called it imperative for European countries to “stand together,” telling leaders “you’re going to lose your dignity” if they back down, according to the Associated Press.
De Wever considers the U.S. no longer to be an ally, thoughts also shared by Thijs Reuten, a member of the European Parliament who told EuroNews the EU “cannot count anymore on the United States as a partner that will stand with us in European interests.”
Key Background
Worldwide leaders are meeting in Switzerland for the planned forum just days after Trump announced he would be imposing 10% tariffs on eight European countries that last week began providing military aid to Greenland, a territory the president has repeatedly said should fall under U.S. authority for national security reasons. Trump is expected to attend the meeting and give a special address. In a post on Truth Social Tuesday morning, the president said there is “no going back” with his plans to seize Greenland.
What Is The Anti-Coercion Instrument?
European leaders have raised the possibility of invoking the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument in response to U.S. tariffs. By using the ACI—also called the “trade bazooka”—the EU could retaliate against what it deems to be economic coercion by imposing countermeasures, including tariffs or limits on market access. French President Emmanuel Macron called it “crazy” the EU would even be forced to consider the never-before-used tool, which EuroNews refers to as a “nuclear option.” Like Macron, Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s far-right National Rally, said the ACI must be activated: “This is not an escalation. This is our credibility, our freedom and our sovereignty. Without making its voice heard and being able to defend the interests of the nations of Europe, the European Union would once again demonstrate its systemic paralysis.”
What Are Greenland Leaders Saying?
Múte B. Egede, Greenland’s Minister of Finance and Taxation and its former prime minister, said in a Tuesday press conference Greenland is prepared for more pressure from the U.S., according to Greenland newspaper Sermitsiaq. Though he said it’s unlikely the rising tensions will trigger the need for the military, he said “we must be prepared for it.” Trump’s efforts to take over Greenland have been met with defiance from Nielsen, who said Monday Greenland will not be pressured. Speaking alongside Egede on Tuesday, Nielsen addressed the emotional and mental toll of Trump’s rhetoric, telling reporters “everyone in society is affected.”
Chief Critic
According to The Guardian, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged European leaders to not retaliate: “What I am urging everyone here to do is sit back, take a deep breath and let things play out. The worst thing countries can do is escalate against the United States.
Crucial Quote
Newsom says world leaders are “rolling over” for the president. He told reporters he “should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders. I mean handing out crowns, the Nobel prizes that are being given away. It’s just pathetic. And I hope people understand how pathetic they look on the world stage.”
What Is The World Economic Forum?
Global leaders have converged to Switzerland this week for the World Economic Forum, an annual gathering of political leaders and business executives to discuss global economic and geopolitical issues. This year’s forum is seen as particularly timely as tensions rise over Greenland. The timing offers officials a rare, high-level setting to address the dispute, even as tariff threats and talk of military action hang over the discussions.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikestunson/2026/01/20/newsom-tells-europes-leaders-grow-a-spine-over-trumps-greenland-threats-live-updates/
