Second on the agenda was Donald Trump’s provocative speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He sought to allay these tensions and convey clearly his vision on how he sees America’s role on the global stage. Dressed in a navy suit complemented by a red tie and a US flag pin, Trump captivated the audience while simultaneously stirring controversy with his remarks about international relations, particularly concerning Greenland.
In making these statements during his first address to the joint session of Congress, Trump attempted to calm concerns from our allies. He was not shy about throwing punches. He used the occasion to target specific world leaders, stripping away the goodwill often found at such elite global meetings. In doing so, he delivered an obvious slap at the continent’s biggest economy. He argued that but for American intervention in World War II, attendees “would all be speaking German.”
Trump doubled down on his controversial desire to buy Greenland, repeating his past claims on the purchase. He told jokes on the steppe about not violating the country’s territorial integrity. Rather, he signaled an overwhelming interest in beginning negotiations with Denmark right away to bring the purchase to fruition. Reflecting on America’s historical relationship with Greenland, he noted the friendly ties with Denmark and emphasized America’s supportive role in the past.
The speech met with great skepticism from the audience. Trump, for his part, was given a rockstar welcome as he walked into the arena. When he started talking about the most controversial American purchase, Greenland, the mood in the room turned completely. He knew bringing up Greenland probably wasn’t a good idea, but he didn’t let that stop him. He even audaciously proclaimed his goal to construct the “greatest Golden Dome ever built” on the island.
Taking Trump’s statement further, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently announced that Europe’s economy is “dead.” This statement deepens the confusion on the issue of international economic relations. Senator Thomas Tillis responded to Trump’s Greenland ambitions by asserting that such a pursuit would not garner Congressional support, highlighting the political ramifications of Trump’s claims.
Throughout his speech, Trump offered what he described as grandfatherly advice, aiming to present an image of leadership while pushing forward his agenda. The combination of uniting language and fiery rebuke made clear the duality of his aims at this marquee event.