In a nuanced intervention at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has walked a diplomatic tightrope regarding President Donald Trump’s explosive desire to buy Greenland. While Farage argued that a U.S.-controlled Greenland would make the world "safer," he insisted that the democratic will of the Greenlandic people must be paramount.

Trump has dominated the headlines this week with his renewed push to acquire the autonomous Danish territory, viewing it as a strategic asset against Russian and Chinese expansion in the Arctic. He has even threatened tariffs on NATO allies who oppose the move. Farage, a longtime ally of Trump, offered a qualified endorsement of the geopolitical logic but drew a red line at coercion. "I have no doubt that the world would be a better, more secure place if a strong America was in Greenland," Farage told reporters.

Security vs. Sovereignty

Farage’s argument rests on the "geopolitics of the High North." With melting ice caps opening new shipping routes and Russia expanding its fleet of icebreakers, control over Greenland is becoming a critical security imperative for the West. "Would America owning Greenland be better for the world in terms of safety and stronger for NATO? It would," Farage admitted.

However, the Brexit architect pivoted to his core philosophy of national sovereignty. "If you believe in the nation-state, you believe in the principle of national self-determination," he argued. "You must respect the rights and views of the Greenlanders." This puts him at odds with the more aggressive elements of Trump's "Board of Peace" strategy, which seems willing to bypass local sentiment for global strategy.

• Trump's "No Force" Pledge: In his own speech at Davos, President Trump attempted to de-escalate tensions, stating explicitly for the first time that he "won't use force" to acquire the island. "I don't have to use force. I don't want to use force," Trump said, though he called for "immediate negotiations."
• The Tariff Threat: Despite the softer rhetoric on military action, Trump is wielding a big economic stick. He has threatened 10% tariffs on European goods—rising to 25%—if a deal isn't reached, placing immense pressure on the EU and UK.
• Greenland's Stance: The government of Greenland has repeatedly stated, "We are open for business, but we are not for sale."

The Davos Divide

Farage’s comments highlight the discomfort even among Trump's allies regarding his transactional approach to territory. While they share his hawkishness on China and Russia, the idea of buying a semi-autonomous people like real estate sits uneasily with modern democratic values. "It is a clash between 19th-century imperialism and 21st-century self-determination," noted one diplomat.

As the Davos summit continues, the question of Greenland remains a flashpoint. Farage has tried to bridge the gap, but with Trump demanding a deal and Greenland saying no, something will eventually have to give.