Gary Cohn, former top economic advisor to President Donald Trump, stated that "Greenland will stay Greenland," dismissing the possibility of a change in ownership for the territory. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Cohn, now vice chairman at IBM, linked the former president's interest in Greenland to the need for access to critical minerals. Cohn served as director of the White House National Economic Council from 2017 to 2018.

The comments come after Trump's previous expressions of interest in purchasing Greenland, which is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The idea was widely dismissed by both Danish and Greenlandic officials. Cohn's statement suggests that despite any past interest, a forced change in Greenland's status is unlikely. He also characterized the idea of invading a NATO member as "a little bit over the edge."

Separately, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed concerns about potential tariff threats against Europe related to Greenland. Bessent urged observers to "relax" and "let things play out," drawing parallels to the market reaction to Trump's tariff announcements the previous year. He claimed the current situation was different, without elaborating on the specific distinctions.

Cohn's background is rooted in finance, having risen to become president and chief operating officer at Goldman Sachs before entering public service. His perspective carries weight due to his prior role advising Trump on economic matters. The potential for Greenland to supply critical minerals has been a recurring theme in discussions surrounding the territory's strategic importance. While specific figures on the value of these mineral resources remain speculative, their significance in sectors like technology and defense is well-documented. The U.S. Geological Survey has conducted studies on Greenland's mineral potential, highlighting the presence of rare earth elements and other valuable resources. The Danish government has also commissioned reports on the economic viability of mining projects in Greenland.