Trump’s G.O.P. Greenlanditis

With his Davos speech, the president reassured jittery Republicans that invading Greenland is, for now, off the table. But conversations on the Hill have escalated, as even Trump’s G.O.P. allies warn that any move that blows up NATO could end his midterm hopes—and lead to impeachment, too.

“Trump will ultimately run into the brick wall of political consequences and geopolitical reality—which is, you can’t obtain territory from a NATO ally that isn’t willing to give it to you,” the strategist said. “And he has a razor-thin margin in Congress.” Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Leigh Ann Caldwell

January 21, 2026

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President Trump was supposed to focus on his half-hearted affordability agenda this morning while addressing the international elites at Davos. But he devoted the preponderance of his speech to his latest obsession, acquiring Greenland. “I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland,” Trump said, the first sign of deescalation after his previous refusal to rule out military action. “I don’t want to use force,” he later added, apparently softening his stance. “I won’t use force.” That evening, he released a statement saying that the U.S. had “formed the framework for a future deal” on Greenland—meaningless, perhaps, but a plausible off-ramp.