Trump says military not needed on Greenland, urges Egypt–Ethiopia talks on Nile dam

U.S. President Trump ruled out military action over Greenland, emphasizing diplomacy and judgment, while also proposing talks between Egypt and Ethiopia to resolve tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Suheir Sheikh/Reuters

January 22, 2026

Trump says military not needed on Greenland, urges Egypt–Ethiopia talks on Nile dam

U.S. President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2026.

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (January 21) that the use of the U.S. military would not be necessary in relation to Greenland, expressing confidence that the issue could be handled through judgment rather than force.

“We'll all see what happens. The military is not on the table. I don't think it'll be necessary.,” Trump said during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Trump also said he would like to bring together the leaders of Egypt and Ethiopia in an effort to resolve a long-running dispute over Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River.

The dam has been a major source of regional tension, with Egypt and Sudan warning that it poses a serious threat to their vital water supplies. Trump did not give details on how talks might be structured but said he hoped dialogue could lead to an agreement acceptable to all sides.

-Suheir Sheikh/Reuters