ZURICH—President Donald Trump will address the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 21. He is expected to promote his America First policies and present the United States as the world’s “most successful” country before an audience of the globe’s wealthiest and most influential leaders.
Tensions with European allies over Greenland, however, have taken center stage at this year’s gathering in the Alpine village. Before departing for the summit, Trump expressed confidence that NATO and the United States would reach a deal on the Arctic island that benefits all parties.
“I think that we will work something out where NATO is going to be very happy and where we’re going to be very happy,” Trump said during a press conference at the White House on Jan. 20.
Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland.
“We need it for national security and even world security,” he said. “It’s very important.”
The forum is taking place amid growing tensions between Trump and several European leaders. In recent days, Trump has stepped up his criticism of NATO allies, stating that the alliance would not have survived without his contributions.
Trump said he would have “a lot of meetings” in Davos focused on Greenland.
When asked about how far he is willing to go to acquire the territory, he responded, “You’ll find out.”
His stance on Greenland and tariff threats has drawn criticism from European leaders attending the Davos summit.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, also addressed rising tensions with Washington.
Globalism vs. America First
Trump’s WEF address is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. local time (8:30 a.m. EST) Wednesday, followed by meetings with foreign leaders and a reception with business executives.As in prior years, Trump is expected to deliver a speech touting his economic agenda and encouraging business leaders to invest in the United States. The 47th president has long viewed the WEF’s globalist agenda as at odds with his “America First” platform.
At the White House press briefing on Jan. 20, where he touted his accomplishments on the first anniversary of his second term, Trump also offered a preview of his remarks at Davos.
“More than anything else, what I’m going to be speaking about is the tremendous success that we’ve had in one year. I didn’t think we could do it this fast,” he said.
“I say it often—we have the most successful country in the world. We have the hottest country anywhere in the world by far,” he said, adding that his speech will serve as advice to world leaders.
“They need energy help badly, or they’re going to be in big trouble. And they need immigration help badly,” he said.
This year marks the 56th annual WEF gathering and is expected to draw nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries, including a record 65 heads of state and government.
He also openly expressed his skepticism toward climate change, taking aim at what he called “alarmists” and “radical socialists.”
“We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse. They are the heirs of yesterday’s foolish fortune tellers,” Trump said at the time.