United States President Donald Trump has once again thrust Greenland into the international spotlight following his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, 2026. During his address, Trump called for “immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States,” repeatedly referring to the autonomous Danish territory as a “piece of ice.”
Trump further stated that the U.S. needs control of the territory for “strategic national security and international security” purposes. While assuring attendees he would not use force, Trump’s remarks included a veiled ultimatum: “So they have a choice. You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember.”
According to ABC News, hours after the speech, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he had reached a “framework of a future deal” with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, prompting him to suspend previously threatened tariffs against European nations opposing the Greenland takeover.
As this diplomatic situation continues to unfold, travelers considering a visit to the world’s largest island face questions about how these developments might affect their journeys.
Trump’s Latest Push For Greenland Acquisition
Trump’s Davos speech on January 21 made his intentions explicit, with the president insisting that Greenland, which he described as “part of North America,” is essential for U.S. security interests. “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, OK?” Trump stated during his address. “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force. All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland.” The comments came amid growing tensions with Denmark and other European nations that have rejected suggestions the island could be transferred to U.S. control.
PBS News reports that following Trump’s speech, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen acknowledged being encouraged by Trump’s comments about not using military force but criticized “a way of thinking about territorial integrity that does not match the institutions we have,” adding: “Greenland is part of NATO. Denmark is part of NATO, and we can exercise our sovereignty in Greenland.”
Trump later announced on social media that, following discussions with NATO’s Secretary-General Mark Rutte, he would not impose previously threatened tariffs on European countries supporting Denmark.
Current Impact On Tourism And Travel Safety
The political uncertainty has already affected tourism to Greenland. Skift notes that the tension over Greenland’s status has led to cancellations in the island’s tourism sector. Casper Frank Møller, CEO and cofounder of Raw Arctic, a Greenland-based tourism company, estimated to Business Insider that “20 to 30 customers have postponed travel plans to Greenland as they wait out the situation.”
Interestingly, Møller noted that when Trump first raised the topic of acquiring Greenland at the start of 2025, his company actually saw an increase in tourist interest. However, recent developments have reversed this trend, as travelers have grown increasingly cautious amid escalating tensions.
The New York Times reported how Greenland’s government has published a handbook in English and Greenlandic advising residents on crisis preparation, urging them to ensure they have sufficient supplies at home to last five days. Some residents have reportedly stocked up on essentials such as camping stoves and non-perishable food amid the uncertainty.
What Travelers Should Know Before Visiting Greenland
Despite the political tensions, there have been no changes to official travel advisories for Greenland, and the territory remains open to tourists. Infrastructure improvements, including the international airport near Nuuk, which opened at the end of 2024, continue to operate normally, facilitating easier access to the territory than was previously possible.
Travelers should be aware that they will encounter a population with strong feelings about their national identity. “We don’t want to be American. We don’t want to be Danish. We want to be Greenlandic,” explained Møller to Business Insider, reflecting a sentiment shared by many locals. Tupaarnaq Kreutzmann Kleist, a sheep farmer in South Greenland, was even more direct in her comments to the same publication: “We’re not for sale.”
While European leaders are scheduled to formulate their response to Trump’s latest moves, travelers should stay informed about developments but need not cancel existing plans. The situation, while creating diplomatic tensions, has not resulted in any reported physical security concerns for visitors to Greenland.
