Donald Trump will not be able to force Greenland to change ownership, a former top adviser to the US president has told the BBC.

IBM's vice chairman Gary Cohn, who advised Trump on the economy in his first term, said Greenland will stay Greenland and linked the need for access to critical minerals to his former boss's plans for the territory.

Cohn, a leader in the race to develop AI and quantum computing, expressed deep reservations about any militaristic tactics, stating that invading an independent country that is part of Nato would be over the edge.

He indicated that comments coming from Trump may serve as part of a negotiation regarding military presence and resource access. Cohn stated a consistent bipartisan perspective within Congress, confirming that Greenland will stay Greenland.

The territory's vast and largely untapped supplies of rare earth minerals became a focal point of discussion. Cohn warned against the implications of militaristic strategies while emphasizing the potential for beneficial negotiations.

Cohn mentioned that Trump's actions may be part of a negotiation tactic, similar to previous successful strategies employed during his presidency. As discussions continue at the World Economic Forum, business leaders express alarm regarding the geopolitical ramifications, particularly concerning Greenland's resources and its role in global security dynamics.

While the focus on Greenland intensifies, there remains a wider dialogue about AI and quantum computing, which Cohn emphasized are crucial to America's strategic and economic future.