Former US President Donald Trump has said he will not use military force to acquire Greenland, in a move aimed at calming concerns among European leaders after earlier remarks suggested the option could not be ruled out.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said his previous comments about not excluding the use of force had been widely misunderstood.

“I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,” he stated.

Trump reiterated his interest in Greenland, describing it as strategically important, but insisted that the United States would not pursue it through military action.

During his speech, Trump also criticized NATO, claiming the United States contributes heavily to the alliance while receiving little in return. He argued that the US has mostly faced losses, disruption, and financial burdens from its global commitments, including in Europe.

Trump pointed out NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the audience, noting Rutte’s earlier comments praising Trump’s pressure on NATO members to increase their defence spending.

Political analyst Ian Bremmer said there was little new in Trump’s Davos speech, aside from his pledge not to use force over Greenland, adding that military action had “never been on the table” in the first place.

Trump’s remarks have reignited debate over US foreign policy priorities, NATO funding responsibilities, and Washington’s long-standing interest in Greenland’s strategic and geopolitical value.