U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his interest in Greenland during a speech at the World Economic Forum, calling for “immediate discussions” over control of the world’s largest island. He emphasized that he does not intend to use force, saying he neither wants nor needs to do so. Trump also remarked that Europe is “not going in the right direction” and expressed his wish to see it improve.

Trump stated that he holds “immense respect” for the people of Greenland and Denmark but described Greenland as vast, sparsely populated, and underdeveloped. He claimed the United States has been attempting to purchase Greenland for nearly two centuries and argued that Denmark has “no trace” there. According to him, only the United States can ensure the island’s security and development.

Referring indirectly to NATO, Trump said that while the U.S. could be unstoppable if it chose to use excessive force, it would not take that path. He concluded that what America seeks is simply “a place called Greenland.”