In an address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, former Trump economic adviser Gary Cohn asserted that the U.S. cannot force a change in Greenland’s ownership. Cohn emphasized that Greenland’s status as an independent territory should not be threatened, while also highlighting its strategic importance due to its untapped mineral resources.
This topic has gained traction amid increasing discussions around geopolitical tensions and the strategic viability of rare earth minerals critical for technology advancements, making the matter not just a territorial issue but a significant economic concern.
Key Developments
- Gary Cohn stated, “Greenland will stay Greenland,” refuting notions of U.S. ownership claims.
- Cohn linked Greenland’s mineral wealth to ongoing U.S. interests, particularly in AI and quantum computing.
- He warned against military actions by the U.S. in a NATO territory, calling such moves “over the edge.”
- Discussions around Greenland’s resources have become a focal point at the World Economic Forum.
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed claims regarding Trump’s motivations related to the Nobel Peace Prize.
Full Report
Cohn’s Insights on Greenland
During a panel at this year’s World Economic Forum, Gary Cohn, IBM’s vice chairman and former director of the White House National Economic Council, reiterated that the U.S. will not be able to change Greenland’s ownership. “Greenland will stay Greenland,” he stated, highlighting the island’s status as an independent nation. Cohn also pointed out that accessing Greenland’s rare earth minerals is essential to America’s strategic interests, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Military and Economic Implications
Cohn raised alarms about the potential consequences of military intervention in Greenland, an area classified under NATO. He remarked, “Invading an independent country that is part of NATO seems to me to be a little bit over the edge at this point.” This statement reflects concerns among various business leaders and political figures at the Forum who believe that aggressive military tactics could trigger wider geopolitical repercussions.
Negotiating Tactics
Addressing recent statements from President Trump about Greenland, Cohn suggested that these comments could be part of a larger negotiating strategy, a tactic Trump has employed successfully in prior situations. “You’ve got to give Donald Trump some credit for the successes he’s had,” Cohn noted, indicating that Trump might be looking to increase the U.S. military presence in Greenland as part of a broader negotiation involving its resources.
Focus on Rare Earth Minerals
As Greenland is home to significant untapped reserves of rare earth minerals, Cohn pointed out that these resources are increasingly critical to technology sectors and U.S. economic competitiveness. He noted, “AI is going to be the backbone for data that feeds into quantum to solve problems we’ve never been able to solve,” stressing the importance of these minerals in ongoing technological advancements.
Responses to Trump’s Claims
The backdrop to these discussions includes Trump’s recent comments blaming Norway for not awarding him the Nobel Peace Prize, which he alleges impacts his approach to international relations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent countered this narrative, affirming that the U.S. views Greenland as a crucial strategic asset independent of any awards or recognitions.
Context & Previous Events
Previously, Trump’s administration had voiced interest in Greenland, even suggesting the purchase of the territory, which was met with widespread criticism and dismissal. Cohn’s remarks come at a time when discussions about the control and access to critical mineral supplies have become increasingly intertwined with national security and economic stability, influencing the larger narrative at the World Economic Forum.
