United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday used his appearance at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos to advance two major themes: a renewed push for negotiations to acquire Greenland and a forceful defence of his administration’s economic record, which he described as the strongest in modern U.S. history.
Addressing political leaders and global business executives, Trump called for immediate talks with Denmark over Greenland, arguing that the Arctic territory is critical to American and global security.
He insisted that only the United States has the capacity to protect, develop, and strategically manage the mineral-rich island as geopolitical competition intensifies in the region.
While adopting a firm tone, Trump ruled out the use of military force to pursue the acquisition, stressing that he neither wanted nor intended to deploy America’s military might against Denmark, a fellow NATO ally.
He acknowledged U.S. military superiority but said negotiations, not force, remain his preferred path.
Trump linked the Greenland issue to broader concerns about NATO, maintaining that a strong and secure United States underpins the alliance’s stability.
He however, repeated complaints that Washington was treated unfairly within NATO and questioned whether allies would come to America’s defence in a crisis.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte publicly rejected that view, insisting alliance members would stand by the United States and urging careful diplomacy to ease tensions.
The renewed push for Greenland has unsettled allies across Europe and North America.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, warned that such territorial ambitions could cause a serious rupture in the U.S.-led global order, while France announced support for a NATO exercise in Greenland and criticised threats of economic retaliation against countries backing Denmark.
European leaders have also warned of countermeasures after Trump threatened tariffs of up to 25 per cent on several nations involved in the dispute.
Greenland’s prime minister, meanwhile, said the island’s small population must be prepared for all scenarios as geopolitical pressure mounts.
Alongside the diplomatic controversy, Trump strongly defended his economic agenda, declaring the United States the “economic engine of the planet.”
Speaking a day after marking the first anniversary of his return to the White House, he said the U.S. economy is experiencing a dramatic turnaround marked by rising productivity, increased investment, higher incomes, and falling inflation.
Trump contrasted current conditions with those under the previous administration, which he blamed for slow growth and high inflation.
He claimed that inflation has eased significantly while economic growth has exceeded projections by international financial institutions.
According to him, trillions of dollars in new investments have already been secured, with more expected in the coming years.
He argued that America’s economic performance has global implications, saying worldwide growth rises and falls with the strength of the U.S. economy.
While praising domestic gains, Trump criticised Europe’s economic direction, warning that parts of the continent are struggling, even as he stressed his desire to see Europe prosper.
Trump’s remarks, delivered amid protests in Davos and intense scrutiny from allies, underscored a presidency that continues to blend economic nationalism with assertive foreign policy.
He is expected to further outline his global vision later this week with the formal launch of a new international conflict-resolution initiative known as the “Board of Peace.”
