On Wednesday, President Donald Trump delivered a special address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. He stated that ownership is necessary to defend Greenland, but assured that force would not be used.
During his speech, President Trump asserted that North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies have a duty to defend their own territories, claiming that only the U.S. can secure Greenland.
He referenced Denmark’s swift fall to Germany during World War II, saying that the U.S. sent troops to protect Greenland, incurring enormous costs and sacrifices. It might have been speaking German or Japanese now if it hadn’t returned it to Denmark after the war. How foolish that was! Denmark is behaving quite ungratefully now.
He emphasized that the area is rich in minerals and has an abundance of rare earth elements. However, its need for Greenland goes beyond minerals; it is crucial for national security and international safety.
Trump remarked that this vast, vulnerable island is actually part of the North American continent, located at the northern border of the hemisphere. This is its territory. It is a core U.S. national security interest, and for centuries, its policy has been to prevent external threats from infiltrating our hemisphere, which it has successfully executed.
Notably, President Trump stated that it cannot defend Greenland through leasing or military base permissions. Legally and psychologically, that’s not enough. He insisted that acquiring Greenland, including ownership, is necessary. He added that he will initiate immediate negotiations to discuss acquiring Greenland again.
While Trump emphasized that force would not be used, he issued a strong warning, stating he would remember if Denmark does not respond to negotiations, thereby pressuring allies.
Additionally, Trump noted that now, both America and the world face far greater risks due to missiles, nuclear weapons, and war technologies that he can’t even mention, claiming that a special weapon used to oust former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro prevented the opponent from firing a single bullet.
He reiterated that NATO European members increased their defense spending due to his demands, stating that the U.S. is ready to support them 100%, but he can’t be sure they will step up for them, expressing his dissatisfaction with European nations.
After his special address, President Trump plans to meet with European leaders to discuss the Greenland issue.
In the economic sector, he claimed that within just one year of his administration, the U.S. economy achieved the fastest and most dramatic turnaround in history, citing tariffs, tax cuts, deregulation, and increased energy production as successes. Trump particularly criticized Europe for heading in the wrong direction with policies like expanded government spending, mass immigration, and the Green New Deal.
Trump mentioned achievements from his tariff policies, saying that it has signed historic trade agreements with partners that account for 40% of total U.S. trade, including the world’s top companies and countries, adding that Europe, Japan, and South Korea are its partners.
He emphasized that these countries have signed large contracts with the U.S., especially in the oil and gas sector, asserting that these agreements have spurred growth and led to a stock market boom in nearly every country involved, not just the U.S.
Regarding Venezuela, which recently ousted Maduro, he stated that Venezuela will earn more money in the next six months than it has in the past 20 years, claiming that all major oil companies are working with them.
That day, Trump announced that he had signed orders to direct and approve the construction of many new nuclear power plants, necessary for advanced industries like artificial intelligence (AI).
In the realm of virtual assets, he emphasized that they’re working to ensure that the U.S. remains the world’s crypto capital, highlighting that he signed related legislation last year. He stated that congress is diligently working to establish a regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency market, including Bitcoin, and he hopes to soon sign this legislation to open new avenues for Americans to enjoy financial freedom.
Trump explained that he did this because I thought it was politically advantageous, and China wanted this market too, arguing that it is essential to prevent China from monopolizing the virtual asset market.
After his speech, Trump elaborated on his positions regarding relations with China, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the reconstruction of Gaza in a conversation with WEF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Börge Brende.
When asked about his planned state visit to China in April and the outlook for U.S.-China relations, Trump said that he maintains a very good relationship with President Xi Jinping. Everyone respects him, and so does he.
Regarding the Ukraine war, he commented that he believes both Russia and Ukraine want an agreement, and he thinks it is quite close to one, adding he’s scheduled to meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy today.
On the situation in Gaza and the Middle East, he stated that peace is taking root in the Middle East, noting that the recent agreement in Gaza and strong measures against Iran have brought stability to the region.
President Trump expressed further dissatisfaction in the discussion, stating that Denmark is supposed to invest hundreds of millions of dollars annually in operating Greenland, but they haven’t spent the money. He added that he will watch how things unfold, and he wants to say that NATO has treated the U.S. very unfairly for a long time.
Regarding the national debt issue, Trump asserted that the most important thing is growth, stating that if it grows like this, it can reduce the debt, which stands at 37 trillion USD. They are generating significant revenue through tariffs and can impose even more, but it is using it judiciously.
