United States President Donald Trump has used his address to the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos to restate his administration’s hardline trade and security positions, including renewed threats of tariffs against European allies and a controversial push for American control of Greenland.
Trump spoke before global political leaders and business executives on Tuesday, just days after warning European countries against opposing Washington’s Greenland policy.
He has insisted that Greenland’s location and resources make it central to U.S. national security, arguing that American ownership would strengthen NATO’s northern defenses.
“Control of Greenland is a core national security interest of the United States,” Trump said during his remarks.
The speech came amid rising diplomatic tension after Trump threatened to impose new trade penalties on European states involved in recent military deployments to the Arctic region.
Tariff Threats and Greenland Dispute
Trump confirmed plans to impose a 10% tariff on “any and all goods” from eight European countries that sent troops to Greenland last week.
In an interview with NBC News, he said he would “100%” follow through on the measure, framing it as a response to what he described as unfair actions by U.S. partners.
“The United States is keeping the whole world afloat,” Trump told the Davos audience, referring to trade imbalances and persistent U.S. deficits.
He accused some European leaders of avoiding direct engagement with him at the forum.
“They don’t want to stare me in the eyes,” he said, adding that Washington was “not looking to destroy them,” but to correct trade imbalances.
Asked whether military force could be used to take control of Greenland, Trump declined to answer directly, responding “no comment.”
Trade, NATO And Relations with Europe
Trump revisited his long-standing criticism of NATO, claiming the alliance would not exist in its current form without his pressure on members to increase defence spending.
“You wouldn’t have NATO if I didn’t get involved,” he said, reiterating his call for allies to raise defence budgets to 5% of GDP.
He also mocked French President Emmanuel Macron, recalling previous trade disputes and tariff threats.
“If you don’t do it fast, I’m putting a 25% tariff on everything you sell into the United States,” Trump said, recounting past negotiations.
Despite Macron’s warnings of retaliatory tariffs over Greenland, Trump dismissed concerns, saying past pressure tactics had proven effective.
Ukraine, Russia and Global Security
Trump announced that he would meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the Davos meeting, despite earlier indications that Zelensky had cancelled his trip.
“He might be in the audience right now,” Trump said, prompting speculation among delegates.
He also revealed ongoing communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“He wants to make a deal,” Trump said, without providing details.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff separately confirmed plans to travel to Moscow with Jared Kushner for talks on a potential Ukraine settlement.
“The Russians have invited us to come,” Witkoff said, describing progress on Washington’s proposed peace framework.
Domestic Politics and Controversial Remarks
Throughout his speech, Trump frequently shifted to domestic issues, praising his economic and immigration policies.
He also made controversial remarks about alleged fraud cases in Minnesota and referenced maritime security operations.
“They’re good pirates, but we shoot them out of the water,” Trump said, drawing mixed reactions from the audience.
The comments added to the confrontational tone of a speech that blended foreign policy, trade disputes, and domestic political messaging.
A Message of Pressure and Leverage
Trump framed his Davos appearance as a demonstration of U.S. leverage in global affairs, stressing that alliances and economic partnerships must align with American interests.
He insisted that Greenland should be viewed as part of North America’s security perimeter.
“This enormous unsecured island is actually part of the northern frontier of the Western Hemisphere,” he said.
As diplomatic reactions continue, Trump’s remarks have intensified debate over trade, sovereignty, and the future of transatlantic relations.
Could Trump’s tariff threats force Europe to reconsider its Arctic posture? Or will the Greenland dispute deepen divisions among long-standing allies?
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