Why does Donald Trump want Greenland? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 23, 2026 · 8 MIN

Why does Donald Trump want Greenland?

from What in the World · host BBC World Service

Donald Trump can’t 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’t use force but threatening consequences if it wasn’t 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: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emily Horler and Emilia Jansson Editor: Verity Wilde

Donald Trump can’t 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’t use force but threatening consequences if it wasn’t 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: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emily Horler and Emilia Jansson Editor: Verity Wilde

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Why does Donald Trump want Greenland?

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This episode was published on January 23, 2026.

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Donald Trump can’t 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’t use force but threatening consequences if it wasn’t handed over. Later that day, he...

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