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Trump at Davos: 'I won't use force' to acquire Greenland

Jan 21, 2026
Kurt Volker, former U.S. ambassador to NATO, discusses Trump's intriguing proposition about Greenland during a speech at Davos, emphasizing strategic U.S. objectives beyond mere ownership. Mark Chenoweth argues in favor of presidential authority to dismiss a Federal Reserve governor, while Ty Cobb raises alarms about the implications for the Fed's independence and warns against pretextual removals that could undermine economic stability. The conversation provides a riveting intersection of diplomacy, law, and governance.
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INSIGHT

Greenland Demand As Negotiating Strategy

  • Kurt Volker sees Trump's Greenland demand as a negotiating stake rather than a literal plan to use force.
  • He says the U.S. can gain access and resources without Greenland sovereignty through deals and host‑nation support.
INSIGHT

Achievable U.S. Goals Without Sovereignty

  • Volker outlines achievable U.S. goals: military access, radar coverage, and mineral rights without needing sovereignty.
  • He warns pure focus on claiming Greenland's sovereignty will fail politically and diplomatically.
ADVICE

Propose Practical Solutions To Trump

  • Kurt Volker urges Europeans to be proactive: know the issues and propose workable solutions to Trump.
  • He recommends negotiating behind closed doors so Trump can claim a win while securing practical concessions.
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