Denmark Skips Davos Over Trump's Greenland Tariff Threat

The 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, themed "A Spirit of Dialogue," has opened with a major diplomatic rift. Danish officials are boycotting the event in protest of escalating pressure from U.S. President Trump to acquire Greenland, a move that now includes the threat of new tariffs against the European Union.

While the January 19-23 summit has attracted a record 400 top political leaders and over 60 heads of state, Denmark's absence is a stark signal of the deepening transatlantic crisis. "We can confirm that the Danish government will not be represented in Davos this week," an official statement read, confirming the decision was made by the government itself.

Trump Escalates with Tariff Ultimatum

President Trump has consistently argued that Greenland should become U.S. territory, citing national security concerns as China and Russia expand their presence in the Arctic. He has also questioned Denmark's authority over the resource-rich, autonomous territory.

The dispute moved beyond rhetoric over the weekend when Trump threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on EU countries, effective February 1, if a deal to purchase Greenland is not reached.

Europe Rallies Behind Denmark

In response to the tariff threat, a coalition of eight nations issued a firm joint statement in support of Denmark and Greenland. The group, which includes France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark itself, warned that such actions could backfire.

"Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral," the statement declared. All eight signatories are also members of the NATO alliance, and European leaders have cautioned that Washington's stance on Greenland could threaten the stability of the military pact.

The Danish Foreign Minister was direct in his response:

• "You can't threaten your way to ownership of Greenland."

• "It's Europe that will respond to the tariff threat, not Denmark."

Unanswered Questions on Military Action

As tensions rise, Denmark and several European allies have sent a contingent of troops to Greenland. Meanwhile, the White House has remained ambiguous about its next steps. In a telephone interview with NBC News on Monday, President Trump was asked if he would use military force to seize the territory.

His response was simply, "No comment."

U.S. officials have previously suggested that military action would be unnecessary, given Greenland's lack of a standing army. The idea of a straightforward purchase remains on the table in Washington, with some proposing that every Greenlander could receive millions of dollars to bypass Denmark's historical claims.

While Denmark protests, other diplomatic activities continue at Davos. Russian officials are scheduled to meet with U.S. envoys at the forum, particularly as peace talks regarding Ukraine have stalled.