US President Donald Trump used his address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to strongly defend his foreign and economic policies, and to sharply criticise Europe as he revived his controversial demand to acquire “giant peice of ice”, Greenland. Speaking to a global audience of political and business leaders, Trump framed his agenda as one that has reshaped America’s economy and reasserted its global power.
Push for Greenland reignites tensions
During his speech, Trump reiterated that the United States should have control over Greenland, arguing that America alone can secure the strategically important territory.
“No nation is in any position to secure Greenland, other than the United States.”
He also reminded NATO allies of their defence responsibilities, saying, “Every NATO ally has an obligation to be able to defend their own territory,” before adding, “We’re a great power, much greater than people even understand.”
Taking aim at Denmark, Trump said Copenhagen was being “ungrateful” for refusing to relinquish Greenland – an island which the US secured for them during the World War II.
“Denmark fell to Germany after just six hours of fighting, and was totally unable to defend either itself or Greenland. So the United States was then compelled, and we did it,” he said.
Lamenting Washington’s decision to return Greenland after the war, Trump added, “How stupid were we to do that? But we did it, but we gave it back. But how ungrateful are they now?”
Economic agenda hailed as ‘miracle’
Turning to domestic policy, Trump claimed his administration had delivered unprecedented economic gains, despite criticism of tariffs and large-scale layoffs of federal workers.
“We have proven them wrong,” he said. “In one year, our agenda has produced a transformation like America has not seen in over 100 years.”
He defended his tariff policy, insisting it was on track to sharply reduce the US trade deficit, even as economists warn of rising consumer prices. Trump also asserted, without presenting evidence, that federal workers dismissed under his administration were thriving in the private sector.
“They started off hating me when we fired them, and now they love me,” he said, claiming some had doubled or tripled their salaries.
Renewed attack on renewable energy
Urging Europe to adopt America’s economic approach, Trump returned to his long-standing opposition to wind energy. He criticised renewable projects as costly and damaging, reiterating his administration’s stance against them.
“Instead of building ineffective money losing windmills, we’re taking them down and not approving any,” Trump said, later describing them as part of a “green new scam” and warning they “destroy your land.”
Trump’s Davos appearance underscored his confrontational style on the global stage, blending nationalist rhetoric, economic triumphalism, and pointed criticism of allies—signalling that his approach to international relations and economic policy remains unchanged.