At the World Economic Forum, Donald Trump addressed representatives of world powers, as reported by the BBC.
Trump concluded his speech while the hall was crowded due to strict security measures.
Entry to the hall was restricted, even for many high-profile guests, including some celebrities.
Some attendees believed that Trump was going to announce new rules for the global economy.
At the beginning of his speech, he addressed Western allies in a friendly tone, who were concerned about his recent statements on social media.
The U.S. President acknowledged that he perhaps should not have discussed the complex issue of Greenland.
Nevertheless, he announced his initiative for immediate negotiations with Denmark regarding the acquisition of Greenland.
Trump emphasized that this is about negotiations, not the use of force, yet the U.S. must obtain "full ownership rights" to the island.
“We want this land to build the greatest Golden Dome ever created,” he stated.
Trump confirmed that he does not intend to use force to acquire Greenland, but outlined his arguments for why the island should belong to the U.S.:
- Greenland: The President announced his plans for "immediate negotiations" with Denmark, emphasizing that only the U.S. can ensure the protection of this vast territory.
- Force: He stated that he does not intend to use force, adding, "I don't need to use force. I don't want to and I won't do it."
- NATO: Trump dismissed opinions that transferring control of Greenland to the U.S. could harm NATO, noting, "We give a lot, but get little in return." In his speech in Davos, Trump presented arguments in favor of the U.S. acquiring Greenland.
Some of his arguments regarding national security and geopolitical influence were known previously.
However, the new aspect was that he claimed the U.S. already controlled Greenland during World War II when it defended the island from German occupation.
“We had it, but we returned it to Denmark after the war,” Trump noted.
“The U.S. should have kept it,” he added. - Economy: Trump stated that during his presidency, the U.S. experienced an "economic miracle," with declining inflation and unprecedented economic growth.
- Tariffs: The President explained such economic successes partly by increasing import tariffs to compensate for damages.
- Europe: At the beginning of his speech, he accused Europe of moving "in the wrong direction" due to rising costs and migration.
- Migration: Trump noted that Europe is facing "completely different groups of migrants" and added that some places on the continent have become "unrecognizable."
- Ukraine: The President also mentioned that he is negotiating with Putin and Zelensky, believing that both sides are interested in reaching an agreement.
- Environment: Throughout his speech, Trump referred to the "green hoax," which he called "the greatest mystification in history," adding that "we need to make money from energy, not lose it."
- UK Energy: In particular, he noted that the UK produces only a third of its energy compared to 1999, despite having vast resources in the North Sea.
Trump undermined Europe's hopes for resolving the Greenland crisis.
BBC correspondent in Europe.
The hopes of European countries that Trump could resolve the crisis surrounding Greenland were dashed by his hardline stance in favor of seizing the island.
The President ignored persistent statements from Europeans that the island is not for sale and presented its acquisition as a reasonable step, considering the U.S. military involvement in Europe.
The good news was that Trump promised not to resort to military force to seize Greenland.
However, the threat of new tariffs remains relevant.
Trump had previously pointed to Europe's problems, but now, as his project unfolds in the context of the Greenland conflict, his perception may change.
The President links the crisis to mass migration and imports from abroad.
Nevertheless, he expressed hope for Europe's successful development and strength.
Trump also shared personal stories about his Scottish and German roots, emphasizing that he cares about the region's residents.
However, his speech, filled with anger and sometimes inaccurate statements, did not reflect the warmth he declared towards Europe.
Trump on the conflict in Ukraine: "It does not benefit the U.S."
"I have been working on this war for a year, during which I have managed to resolve eight other conflicts, including India-Pakistan and Armenia-Azerbaijan. Vladimir Putin, discussing these issues with me, said: 'I can't believe you were able to resolve this conflict.' It lasted 35 years, and I settled it in one day. Putin added: 'I worked on this for 10 years and achieved nothing.' I replied: 'Focus on your war and don't worry about this.'
"What does the U.S. gain from this work? What are our benefits? Aside from destruction, losses, and enormous financial costs to help those who do not appreciate our support. I am talking about NATO and Europe. They need to handle Ukraine themselves, not us. The U.S. is far away, across a big ocean. This is not our war."
"It does not benefit the U.S. This is a terrible war, the worst since World War II. If it continues, it will surpass all previous ones in scale. The losses are simply colossal, but no one wants to discuss this topic. Both Ukraine and Russia have suffered huge losses."
"I am negotiating with Putin and believe he is interested in reaching an agreement, and I am also communicating with Zelensky, who, in my opinion, also wants this. I am meeting with him today."
