Amid heightened tension with Europe over US plans to “acquire” Greenland, President Donald Trump on Wednesday took sharp swipes at parts of Europe in his speech at World Economic Forum at Davos, saying “certain places in Europe are not even recognisable anymore” while also noting that the he wants to “see Europe go good, but it’s not heading in the right direction”.
Addressing a packed hall of officials and business leaders at the annual meeting in Davos, Trump said the United States cares greatly about the people of Europe. “That’s why issues like energy, trade, immigration, and economic growth must be central concerns to anyone who wants a strong to see a strong and united West,” he added.
‘USA economic engine on the planet’
Stating that the US is the economic powerhouse on the planet, he said: “When America booms, the entire world booms. It’s been the history. When it goes bad, you all follow us down… This afternoon, I want to discuss how we’ve achieved this economic miracle, how we intend to raise living standards for our citizens to levels never seen before, and perhaps how you too, and the places where you come from can do much better by following what we’re doing”.
The US President also used the opportunity to describe his accomplishments, saying he had arrived in the Swiss Alps with “truly phenomenal news from America.”
Nato far more formidable with Greenland in US hands
Trump has maintained that the United States “needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security”.
“It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on January 14.
“Nato becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable.”
The United States maintains a critical, long-term military foothold in Greenland via a 1951 defense pact with Denmark. Central to this presence is the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), a northern outpost essential for global security. The base houses the AN/FPS-132 radar system, which provides vital missile warnings and space surveillance data directly to broader US defense networks.
Trump reached in the Swiss resort town three years behind his schedule, after Air Force One was forced to turn back following takeoff due to what was described as a “minor electrical issue”, requiring an aircraft change.
A day earlier, European leaders signalled a united front against him as they gathered at the Swiss ski resort. While Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned of a “rupture” to the US-led global system, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to stand up against “bullies”.
The response from allies drew pushback from Trump’s Treasury chief Scott Bessent, who urged European leaders to “take a deep breath” and wait for the president’s arrival to hear what he has to say. “Do not have this reflexive anger that we’ve seen,” Bessent told reporters in Davos.