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Why does Donald Trump want Greenland?

What would that mean for the world?

Donald Trump can鈥檛 stop talking about Greenland. He spent a big chunk of his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos talking about the island, saying he wouldn鈥檛 use force but threatening consequences if it wasn鈥檛 handed over.

Later that day, he said discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had been fruitful, but Denmark and Greenland said only they can negotiate with the US over Greenland.

We break down why exactly Donald Trump is paying so much attention to this Arctic island and what that might mean for the rest of the world.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Emily Horler and Emilia Jansson
Editor: Verity Wilde

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9 minutes

Last on

Sat 24 Jan 2026 03:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Fri 23 Jan 2026 18:50GMT
  • Sat 24 Jan 2026 03:50GMT

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