President Donald Trump used his Davos address to press for US control of Greenland, defend tariffs, and frame global politics as a contest of power.
It was a speech that was never going to fly under the radar.
President Donald Trump used his Davos address on Wednesday to press his case for US control of Greenland, criticize what he described as Europe’s economic decline, and outline a series of domestic and global policy priorities — from tariffs and credit card rates to the Federal Reserve.
The speech came after Trump’s flight to Davos was delayed following a midair turnaround of Air Force One due to a “minor electrical issue” and a transatlantic flight on a backup jet.
It also came amid mounting backlash from European leaders, rattled markets, and warnings of retaliation that could hit America’s biggest economic advantages.
Here are the four biggest takeaways from Trump’s remarks:
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1. Trump says he won’t use force to take Greenland — but insisted the US must have it
Trump devoted a significant portion of his speech to Greenland, saying that the US does not plan to use military force and adding that no other country can secure the territory.
“I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force, Trump said.”
At the same time, he framed US control of Greenland as essential to global security and openly criticized America’s allies.
