Trump avoids ruling out military force, claims Greenlanders will be 'thrilled' to join US
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump made a special appearance at the White House press briefing on Tuesday, January 20, marking one year into his second term.
While the president addressed a range of topics, he remained deliberately noncommittal about his drive to acquire Greenland, refusing to rule out military action while insisting that the island’s residents would ultimately welcome US control.
Trump refuses to rule out military force
REPORTER: "How far are you willing to go to acquire Greenland?"@POTUS: "You'll find out." pic.twitter.com/P7RbWpTrKd
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 20, 2026
Pressed by reporters on how far he would go to secure the semi-autonomous territory, Trump offered a terse reply. “You’ll find out,” he said.
The president repeatedly declined to exclude the use of force in pursuing Greenland. His brief response at the podium left intact the possibility that coercive measures remained on the table as the administration continued to press for the acquisition.
The president claims Greenland locals will be thrilled
⚡️Reporter: Greenlanders have made it clear they don’t want to be part of the United States.
— The Global Monitor (@theglobal4u) January 20, 2026
Trump: Well, I haven’t had the chance to speak to them directly. When I do, I’m sure they’ll be thrilled. pic.twitter.com/gdhy2d4HNM
The exchange grew sharper when a reporter noted that Greenland’s leaders and residents have said that they do not want to become part of the United States. Trump rejected that premise.
He said direct engagement would change attitudes. “I am sure they are going to be thrilled,” Trump said. The comment reflected his view that personal outreach and negotiation could override the opposition voiced by Greenlandic officials and Denmark.
Trump claims NATO is weak without the United States
⚡️Trump:
— The Global Monitor (@theglobal4u) January 20, 2026
I think NATO has been good — sometimes it’s overrated, sometimes it isn’t.
If NATO doesn’t have us, NATO is not very strong. pic.twitter.com/KCRysCJiPD
Questioned about the future of NATO amid the standoff, Trump said that he “always had a good relationship” with allied nations. He argued that the alliance was “so much stronger” since his return to office.
He then emphasized Washington’s central role. “Whether you like it or not, NATO is only as good as we are,” Trump said, adding that without the United States the alliance is “not very strong.”
Trump downplays Supreme Court concerns
Trump also addressed legal challenges to his strategy, including court scrutiny of tariff threats tied to Greenland. Asked what he would do if the Supreme Court ruled against him, Trump brushed aside the prospect.
“We’ll have to sue something else,” he said. He described his current approach as “the best, strongest, fastest, least complicated” path forward.
Despite mounting legal and diplomatic friction, Trump said discussions were ongoing, adding, “We have a lot of meetings scheduled on Greenland, and I think things are going to work out pretty well.”
