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Former Trump adviser rules out Greenland annexation
Former White House economic adviser Gary Cohn stated on Tuesday that the U.S. will not compel Greenland to change sovereignty, dismissing recent remarks by President Donald Trump as potential negotiation tactics.
Greenland's strategic minerals at center of U.S. interest
Cohn, who served as director of the National Economic Council under Trump from 2017 to 2018, emphasized Greenland's significance due to its vast reserves of rare earth minerals critical for artificial intelligence and quantum computing. He suggested the U.S. could secure access through negotiated agreements rather than coercion.
"Greenland has substantial untapped mineral resources, and the U.S. may pursue an offtake deal," Cohn told the BBC. He added that increased military cooperation in the Arctic, where Greenland holds a strategic position, remains a likely objective.
Military alliance concerns raised
Cohn warned against aggressive actions, stating that attempting to forcefully acquire Greenland-an autonomous Danish territory and NATO member-would cross a red line. "Invading an independent country within a military alliance is over the edge," he said, reflecting broader unease among U.S. political and business leaders.
He noted bipartisan consensus in Congress that Greenland's status will remain unchanged, though the U.S. may seek expanded military presence amid rising Arctic tensions.
Treasury Secretary urges calm over tariff threats
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed concerns over Trump's tariff threats against Europe, comparing the reaction to last year's trade disputes. "This is not the same as April 2nd. I urge everyone to relax and let things play out," he said.
Bessent affirmed U.S. commitment to NATO and European alliances but acknowledged disagreements over Greenland's future. "We remain partners in countering Russia's war in Ukraine, but that doesn't preclude differences on other issues," he added.
Quantum computing and AI dominate Davos agenda
Cohn, now vice chairman of IBM, highlighted the race to develop quantum computing and AI as pivotal for U.S. economic and strategic influence. "AI will underpin enterprise efficiency, while quantum computing solves previously intractable problems," he said, noting IBM's leadership in deploying quantum systems across industries.
Google recently claimed the world's most advanced quantum computer, intensifying competition in the sector. Discussions at Davos underscored the urgency of securing rare earth minerals-abundant in Greenland-as a cornerstone of technological dominance.
Negotiation tactics or genuine intent?
Cohn suggested Trump's public statements about Greenland might be a bargaining strategy. "He often overreaches to achieve compromise," he said, citing past successes in trade negotiations. "What he ultimately wants could be a larger military footprint and mineral access-not sovereignty."
Trump is scheduled to address the Davos forum on Wednesday, where Greenland and trade policies are expected to dominate discussions.
