Trump in Davos demanded Greenland, criticized Europe, announced a meeting with Zelensky and declared friendship with Xi Jinping

On January 21, US President Donald Trump spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. His arrival was delayed by a technical problem on Air Force One, but the meeting was ultimately delayed by only five minutes. Trump gave a speech lasting more than an hour, starting to talk about the economic success of the United States, but the main topic of his speech was Greenland and relations with NATO.

Greenland Negotiations

Trump announced his intention to begin immediate negotiations to acquire Greenland. He recalled that American presidents had sought to buy the island for nearly two centuries and that the United States controlled the territory during World War II following Germany's occupation of Denmark.

The president rejected the possibility of using force to gain control of Danish territory, but stressed that no other country could ensure the security of the island. He said: “People thought I would use force, but I don’t need to use force. I don't want to use force. I will not use force." At the same time, Trump noted that in the event of a military conflict with Europe over Greenland, the United States “would be impossible to stop,” but stressed that he did not intend to resort to such a scenario.

Addressing Greenland, the president made his expectations clear: “You can say yes and we will be very grateful, or you can say no and we will remember it.” The president called Greenland a "small request" compared to what America gave to NATO.

Attacks on Europe and threats of tariffs

Trump sharply criticized European leaders, saying Europe was going down the wrong path. He blamed the continent for "uncontrolled mass migration" and record budget and trade deficits.

The president has threatened to impose tariffs on goods from eight NATO countries, including France and Britain, unless an agreement is reached on Greenland. Tariffs will be 10% from February 1 and will rise to 25% by June. After French President Emmanuel Macron refused to join Trump's Peace Council on Gaza, the American leader threatened to impose a 200 percent tariff on French wine.

Trump also stressed that the United States no longer intends to “subsidize the whole world.”

Economy and NATO

Trump began his speech by listing the supposed economic achievements of the United States - record stock market performance, low inflation and strong economic growth. Trump said that over the course of a year he managed to reduce the country's monthly trade deficit by 77% without increasing inflation.

On NATO, the president said the alliance treats the United States unfairly and implied that European allies do not value American contributions: "The United States will be with NATO 100 percent, but I'm not sure it will reciprocate."

Meeting with Zelensky and Ukraine

Trump said he would meet with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on Wednesday on the sidelines of the forum in Davos. The president noted that both Zelensky and Vladimir Putin allegedly want to conclude a deal to end the war.

He said:

“I'm dealing with President Putin, and he wants to make a deal. I'm dealing with President Zelensky, and I think he wants to make a deal. I'm meeting him today. They must stop this war because too many people are dying, dying in vain."

Trump added that he believes the parties have reached a point where they can come together and reach an agreement. According to him, NATO must help end the conflict.

The day before Trump’s speech, Zelensky said that he would not go to Davos unless documents on security guarantees for Ukraine were ready.

Relations with China

Trump said he has always maintained good relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He called Xi an "incredible man" and noted that what he has done is "amazing." The president also mentioned the Covid-19 pandemic, saying he stopped calling it the "Chinese virus" at Xi's request.

Trump says protesters in Minnesota are 'paid for'

During a question-and-answer session with the president of the World Economic Forum, Trump addressed the situation in Minnesota and called protesters there "rioters." The president said, without providing evidence, that the demonstrations were “fake protests organized by agitators.” He also called them "professional troublemakers."

Trump also said the administration plans to investigate alleged federal funding fraud in Minnesota.

A wave of protests in the state began after an ICE immigration officer shot and killed 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good on January 7. Later, on January 14, another federal agent wounded Venezuelan Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis during an arrest attempt. Trump previously threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota authorities did not stop protesters against ICE actions.