Trump pushes Greenland plan at World Economic Forum as EU weighs trade response

President Trump renewed his push to acquire Greenland at the World Economic Forum, prompting European leaders to consider trade countermeasures that could impact U.S. consumers.

(NBC)- President Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland today, amid rising tensions with European allies over his push to take control of Greenland.

“All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland,” the president said.

Surrounded by NATO allies, Trump questioned the alliance’s commitment to the United States — despite NATO coming to America’s defense after the September 11 attacks — and argued that the U.S. rarely asks for anything in return.

“We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be frankly unstoppable. But I won’t do that,” Trump said.

The president again claimed the strategically important Danish territory is vulnerable to threats from China and Russia, insisting the United States must own it.

“You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no, and we will remember,” Trump added.

European leaders are now weighing countermeasures to Trump’s threatened tariffs on Denmark and seven other allies that oppose his effort to buy Greenland.

“We have no interest in picking a fight, but we will hold our ground,” said EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas.

Among the European Union’s possible responses is the so-called “trade bazooka,” which could ban U.S. goods from European markets.

In a new interview, President Trump said he would match any EU actions, but suggested a deal could still be reached.

“And it’s going to go ricocheting backward. But we’re not looking at that — we’ll probably be able to work something out,” he said.

A trade war with the European Union — America’s largest trading bloc — could have wide-ranging economic effects and lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers already feeling financial pressure.

Despite the tensions, the president said the U.S. economy is booming and believes the global economy will follow.