Davos 2026 | Scott Bessent sings Trump tune on Greenland, advises ‘deep breath’ for the world

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Greenland is central to US President Donald Trump’s national security strategy, arguing that control of the island is critical to preventing the United States from being drawn into a future military conflict.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Bessent told Fox Business that Trump views Greenland as a key pillar of what he has described as the “golden dome” missile defence shield.

“I think the president has a very strong view on Western Hemisphere

security and believes that the US should not outsource our national security,” Bessent said. “He believes that Greenland is essential for the golden dome missile shield.”

Bessent warned that Greenland’s growing strategic value increases the risk of confrontation if another power attempts to assert control over the territory. “The president is worried that if there were an incursion into Greenland, the US would be called upon to defend Greenland,” he said. “Greenland is becoming more and more attractive for foreign conquest.”

He added that Trump believes US control of the island would prevent escalation. “He very strongly believes that it must be part of the United States to prevent a conflict, rather than getting the US engaged and exposed into a hot conflict,” Bessent said.

Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, hosts a major US military base and has gained importance as melting Arctic ice opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources. The changing Arctic landscape has sharpened geopolitical competition in the region.

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Trump has repeatedly pushed for the US to acquire Greenland and on Tuesday (January 20) said he had spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the issue, adding that Greenland was “imperative for national and world security.”

Bessent urged restraint as discussions continue in Davos. “Sit back, take a deep breath. Do not retaliate,” he said, adding that Trump would outline his position when he addresses the forum.