Trump expands global focus in Davos amid Greenland dispute
President Donald Trump is continuing his foreign policy push in Davos, Switzerland, with the first meeting of the newly formed “Board of Peace.”
(NBC)- President Donald Trump is continuing his foreign policy push in Davos, Switzerland, with the first meeting of the newly formed “Board of Peace,” a group created to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza and now expanding its mission to address other global conflicts.
“This board has the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created,” Trump said during the meeting.
Dozens of world leaders were invited to participate, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, some European allies declined to join, citing concerns that the board could rival the United Nations.
The meeting comes as tensions continue over Greenland, a Danish territory that Trump has repeatedly said the United States needs for national security. The president now says he has reached a framework for a future deal with NATO’s Secretary General.
“Essentially, it’s total access. It’s — there’s no end, there’s no time limit,” Trump said.
Trump also emphasized that he does not plan to use military force to take over Greenland.
“People thought I would use force. I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,” he said.
In addition, the president has backed off previously threatened tariffs against Denmark and seven other European allies who oppose the U.S. acquiring Greenland. The shift follows Europe’s decision to pause a long-sought trade deal with the United States.
According to The New York Times, citing three senior officials, NATO members discussed the possibility of giving the U.S. sovereignty over small areas of land in Greenland to build military bases. The United States already operates a base there and has broad access to establish more under a Cold War-era agreement.
A NATO spokesperson said the Secretary General did not propose any compromise to Greenland’s sovereignty during his meeting with President Trump.
