President Donald Trump delivered a challenging and aggressive address at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday. During the yearly gathering of global leaders and business figures, he highlighted America’s global importance and advocated for the United States to purchase Greenland.
Addressing an audience of billionaires, government officials, and diplomats, Trump stated, “Without us, you might all be speaking German and Japanese right now.” He continued, “Following the war, we returned Greenland to Denmark. How foolish was that decision, yet we did it, we gave it back. But look at their ingratitude now?”
This address, seen as a pivotal point in his presidency, occurred amidst an escalating diplomatic crisis stemming from Trump’s insistence on acquiring Greenland, a stance that has caused concern among European leaders.
Trump declared, “This vast, unprotected island is, in fact, part of North America, situated on the northern edge of the Western Hemisphere.” He added, “That belongs to us.”
Weeks of significant anticipation and dispute preceded Trump’s speech. Before his arrival in Davos, he flooded social media with images showing American flags superimposed on Greenland, Canada, and other regions. He also released private text exchanges with leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. European officials reacted swiftly, holding urgent meetings in Brussels and contemplating retaliatory tariffs, while Denmark strengthened its military presence in Greenland.
On several occasions, Trump implied that the U.S. would not seize Greenland by force, though he made it clear that such an action was within its capabilities. He stated, “We likely won’t acquire anything unless I choose to employ overwhelming strength and force, in which case we would be, quite frankly, invincible, but I will not do that.” Shortly thereafter, he further remarked, “I will not resort to force. The United States is merely requesting a location named Greenland, which we previously held as a trustee, but courteously returned to Denmark not long ago.”
The President’s stance sharply differed from the thinly disguised criticisms voiced on Tuesday by prominent European personalities. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney cautioned about a “rupture” in the global order, stating that the international system based on rules was deteriorating and that “the strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must.” President Macron condemned the application of coercion and tariffs to pursue territorial goals, affirming that Europe would not tolerate the “law of the strongest” nor be intimidated by “bullies.”
