“We Want a Piece of Ice”: Trump Stuns Davos With Greenland Threats and Global Taunts

“We Want a Piece of Ice”: Trump Stuns Davos With Greenland Threats and Global Taunts

DAVOS, Switzerland — President Donald Trump delivered one of the most talked-about speeches of this year’s World Economic Forum on Wednesday, using the global stage in Davos to defend his economic record, press allies on security responsibilities, and restate his view that Greenland is a strategic asset the United States cannot afford to ignore.

Speaking before an audience of business executives and political leaders, Trump struck a confident, combative tone, presenting himself as a leader willing to say out loud what others, he suggested, prefer to avoid. Outside the heavily secured Congress Center, distant protesters could be heard, though their words were indistinct. Inside, Trump faced an attentive crowd, punctuating his remarks with jokes, jabs and sweeping claims about American power.

“It’s great to be back in beautiful Davos, Switzerland,” Trump said as he opened his address. “So many respected business leaders — so many friends, a few enemies.” The line drew laughter and set the tone for a speech that mixed provocation with self-assurance.

A Victory Lap on the Economy

Trump framed his appearance as a one-year report card on his return to office, arguing that the U.S. economy has outperformed expectations despite widespread skepticism when he unveiled his agenda.

“Virtually all of the so-called experts predicted my plans would trigger a global recession and runaway inflation,” Trump said. “But we have proven them wrong.”

He described the United States as the central driver of global growth, calling it “the economic engine on the planet,” and argued that American economic performance lifts — or drags — the rest of the world with it. Trump credited tariffs and industrial policy for encouraging manufacturers to relocate production to the United States, saying factories and auto plants were moving back not only from China and Mexico, but also from close partners such as Canada.

While critics dispute the scale of those gains, Trump presented his approach as unapologetically results-driven and suggested other countries could benefit from adopting elements of it.

Europe and Energy

Trump also revisited a familiar theme: concern that Europe is weakening itself through policy choices on energy and growth.

“I love Europe and I want to see Europe do well,” he said, before adding that it is “not heading in the right direction.”

He sharply criticized wind power, arguing that Europe has become overly dependent on technology largely manufactured in China. Trump instead promoted oil, gas and nuclear energy as more reliable foundations for economic strength, a message that resonated with some business leaders even as it irritated environmental advocates.

Greenland at the Center

The most dramatic portion of Trump’s speech focused on Greenland, the vast Arctic island governed by Denmark that the president has repeatedly described as vital to U.S. security.

“We want a piece of ice for world protection, and they won’t give it,” Trump said, portraying Greenland not as a commercial prize but as a strategic necessity in an era of rising competition with Russia and China. He argued that the island’s location — “right smack in the middle” of major powers — makes it indispensable to global stability.

Trump insisted his push is not about mining rare earth elements, noting the extreme difficulty of extracting resources beneath Greenland’s ice. Instead, he framed the issue as one of defense and deterrence, calling the island “an enormous, unsecured territory” that he said the United States has a historic interest in protecting.

He called for “immediate negotiations” with Denmark, warning that American patience should not be taken for granted, while emphasizing that he does not intend to use military force.

“I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,” Trump said. “All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland.”

Trump criticized Denmark for what he described as slow follow-through on earlier commitments to strengthen Greenland’s defenses, arguing that U.S. concerns are justified given the growing strategic importance of the Arctic.

Barbs, Humor and Diplomacy

In between policy arguments, Trump sprinkled in personal humor that kept the room engaged. He joked about French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent habit of wearing sunglasses indoors — something Macron has attributed to a minor eye issue — drawing the loudest laughter of the session.

Trump also took aim at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, saying Canada benefits greatly from its relationship with the United States and should show greater appreciation — remarks consistent with Trump’s long-held view that alliances should be more explicitly transactional.

Ukraine, Venezuela and Politics at Home

Trump said he expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later Wednesday, though details were unclear and Zelenskyy was not believed to be in Davos. He reiterated his belief that stronger leadership in Washington could have altered the course of the conflict in Ukraine.

Turning to Latin America, Trump struck an optimistic note on Venezuela, predicting its oil industry would rebound sharply with U.S. involvement following political changes in the country. “Every major oil company is coming in with us,” he said, calling the prospects “amazing.”

Trump also repeated his claim that the 2020 U.S. election was unfair — an assertion rejected by courts and election officials — while signaling that he believes accountability is still coming for those he blames.

A Defining Davos Moment

Trump’s speech coincided with arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court over his attempt to remove a Federal Reserve governor, a reminder that political battles at home continue even as he projects confidence abroad.

By the time he left the stage, Trump had once again ensured that Davos revolved around him. Supporters saw a president willing to confront allies, defend American interests and reject elite consensus. Critics saw a destabilizing mix of threats and bravado. Either way, Trump succeeded in what he does best: dominating the conversation — and making clear that, in his view, global security and prosperity still hinge on American power and American resolve.

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