President Donald Trump spoke to leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday. He pushed again for the United States to take control of Greenland, questioned NATO spending by allies, attacked wind farms, and blamed Europe's energy policies for high prices. Trump also brought up the 2020 election and other domestic issues.
Background
The World Economic Forum gathers business leaders, politicians, and experts each year in the Swiss mountain town of Davos. This year's event drew attention because of Trump's second term as president, which began in January 2025. His speech came amid ongoing talks about global trade, security, and climate policies. Trump has long expressed interest in Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, for its strategic location and resources. During his first term, he suggested buying it, which Denmark rejected. NATO has also been a frequent topic for him, as he has pressed European allies to spend more on defense. The alliance sets a goal for members to spend 2% of their gross domestic product on defense, a target set in 2014. Recent years have seen more countries meet that mark, partly due to Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump's remarks touched on these issues and more, mixing foreign policy with complaints about the US economy and past elections.
Key Details
Trump said the US gave Greenland back to Denmark after World War II, calling it a stupid move. He linked it to the US winning the war and saving Europe from speaking German or Japanese. Records show the US did have a military base in Greenland during the war, but it never owned the territory. Greenland has been under Danish control since the early 1800s, with some autonomy since 1979. The US base, Thule Air Base, remains active today under agreement with Denmark.
NATO Spending Claims
Trump claimed that before he became president, the US paid for nearly 100% of NATO because other countries did not pay their bills. He said he fixed that. NATO data shows the US share of the alliance's common budget was about 16% in 2025. For overall defense spending, the US accounted for around 63% in 2024, down from 72% in 2016, before his first term. Non-US members spent $292 billion in 2016 and $482 billion in 2024. In 2024, 18 of 31 members met the 2% GDP target, up from four in 2016 and eight in 2020. The 2% goal covers each country's own defense spending, not direct payments to the US. NATO raised the target to 3.5% in 2025, including broader security costs. Trump also said the US gets nothing from NATO. After the September 11 attacks, NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time, sending forces to Afghanistan. Allies like Denmark lost over 40 soldiers there.
Trump attacked wind farms, saying China makes most of them but has none itself. He called them losers. China installed 70% of new wind power in 2024 and has over 520 gigawatts of capacity, nearly half the world's total.
On energy, Trump said Germany produces 22% less electricity than in 2017 with prices 64% higher. UK output is one-third of 1999 levels. Germany data shows a drop in total electricity generation, with prices up, especially after Russia's cut in gas supplies in 2022 due to the Ukraine war. The UK generated 285 terawatt-hours in 2024, 25% less than in 2000.
Trump said the 2020 election was rigged, leading to wars that would not have happened. He claimed people would soon face prosecution. Multiple investigations by Republicans found no widespread fraud. Courts dismissed over 60 lawsuits. His former lawyer Rudy Giuliani settled a defamation case with Dominion Voting Systems in 2025 and lost his law licenses in New York and Washington for false claims.
"We've never got anything out of NATO. We've never asked for anything, it's always a one-way street." – President Donald Trump
Trump also mentioned ending eight wars since taking office in 2025 and criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Representative Ilhan Omar, and former President Joe Biden.
What This Means
Trump's speech highlights tensions in US relations with Europe. His push for Greenland could strain ties with Denmark and Nordic countries. NATO allies have increased spending, but Trump questions the alliance's value to the US. Energy claims point to debates over renewables versus traditional sources. Higher European prices fuel arguments against green policies, though gas shortages played a big role. The 2020 election remarks keep that issue alive, despite repeated checks finding no rigging. Prosecution talk may refer to ongoing probes, but no major charges have emerged. Trade imbalances Trump mentioned affect global talks, with the US running deficits with many partners. His wind farm critique ties into US efforts to boost domestic manufacturing. Overall, the speech sets a tone for his second term: America first, with skepticism toward multilateral groups. Leaders at Davos heard familiar themes, but data shows some claims do not match records. This could shape negotiations on security, trade, and climate in coming months. Businesses watching Davos weigh how US policy shifts impact their plans. NATO summits later this year will test ally commitments. Energy markets remain volatile, with Europe seeking alternatives to Russian gas. Trump's return to Davos after his first term speech in 2020 shows his influence on the global stage.
