Trump Davos speech: Rules out using military force on Greenland
President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday, claiming significant economic improvements during his first year back in office.
In his speech, Trump contrasted current economic conditions with those under the previous administration, stating that America had moved from "stagflation" to a period of "virtually no inflation and extraordinarily high economic growth."
Trump cited specific economic indicators, noting that core inflation over the past three months has been 1.6%, while fourth quarter growth is projected at 5.4%.
The stock market has set 52 all-time high records since the election, according to Trump, adding $9 trillion in value to retirement accounts and savings.
Trump also highlighted that more than 1.2 million people have been removed from food stamp programs since his inauguration in January 2025.
The president claimed his administration has secured over $1 trillion in new investment in the country, which he contrasted with less than $1 trillion secured during the previous four-year administration.
Trump also mentioned policy changes including regulatory cuts and the use of tariffs to reduce the trade deficit, which he described as "the largest in world history" before his interventions.
During his address, Trump characterized the United States as "the economic engine on the planet," suggesting that when the American economy performs well, the global economy benefits.
The president also criticized European energy policies, noting that "Germany now generates 22% less electricity than it did in 2017" and expressed concern about the direction of Europe’s economy, stating, "I want to see Europe go good. But it’s not heading in the right direction."
Trump touched on his regulatory approach, claiming to have cut 129 regulations and implemented policies allowing businesses to deduct expenses in one year rather than over decades. He also mentioned using tariffs to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and making "historic trade deals with partners covering 40% of all U.S. trade."
Trump discusses Greenland
U.S. President Donald Trump said he had no intention of using military force to acquire Greenland.
“I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force," Trump said.
Still, he intensified his push for Greenland during remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, arguing that only the United States can guarantee the Arctic island’s security and calling for immediate negotiations on a potential acquisition.
Trump said Greenland was “sitting undefended in a key strategic location,” adding that “no nation can secure Greenland other than the U.S.” He added that Greenland “cannot be defended on a lease,” arguing that full U.S. control is necessary to guarantee the island’s security.
He reiterated that Washington had historically played a decisive role on the island, saying the U.S. saved Greenland during World War Two, later returning it to Denmark, and established military bases there in support of Danish security.
Trump said he was seeking immediate talks to discuss the acquisition of Greenland, framing the issue squarely in national security terms. “Only the United States can secure Greenland,” he said, arguing that the island’s strategic importance had grown amid rising global tensions.
Trump also struck a more conciliatory tone at moments, saying he had “tremendous respect” for Greenland and Denmark, even as he pressed the case for U.S. control.
"We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be, frankly, unstoppable, but I won’t do that," Trump said.
Source: Investing.com
