President Donald Trump delivered a combative and highly charged speech at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday, warning European leaders that the world cannot decouple from the United States and renewing his demand that Washington take control of Greenland for security reasons.

In an hour long address filled with sharp language, threats, and bold economic claims, Trump portrayed the United States as the central engine of the global economy and suggested allies had little choice but to follow Washington’s lead.

“When America booms, the entire world booms,” Trump said. “You all follow us down, and you follow us up.”

He added that many countries depend entirely on US protection and economic power. “Without us, most of the countries don’t even work,” he told the audience of heads of state, executives, and investors.

Greenland at the Center of the Speech

Trump once again demanded immediate negotiations with Denmark to transfer control of Greenland to the United States, calling the Arctic island essential for national and international security.

“All we want from Denmark is this land on which we are going to build the greatest golden dome ever built,” Trump said. “It’s a very small ask compared to what we have given them for many decades.”

He argued that Greenland sits “undefended in a key strategic location” and insisted that “no nation can secure Greenland other than the US.”

Trump said he would not use military force to seize the island but warned European leaders of consequences if they refused.

“You can say yes and we will be very appreciative,” he said. “Or you can say no, and we will remember.”

He also criticized Denmark for the cost of running the territory. “Greenland is costing Denmark hundreds of millions to run,” Trump said. “It’s very important that we use Greenland for national and international security.”

Tariffs as a Weapon

Trump repeated his threat to impose heavy tariffs on European countries that oppose his Greenland plans. Earlier this week he announced plans for 10 percent tariffs starting February 1 on goods from eight European nations, rising to 25 percent by June.

He also revived a separate threat to place a 200 per cent tariff on French wines and champagne if French President Emmanuel Macron refuses to support a US-led “Board of Peace” initiative for Gaza.

Trump dismissed European objections, saying, “I don’t think they’re going to push back too much.”

European leaders have already warned that retaliatory tariffs could reach more than 100 billion dollars if the dispute escalates.

Clash With Canada and Europe

Much of Trump’s speech appeared aimed at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who earlier in the week said the US led rules based order was becoming “a pleasant fiction.”

Trump responded bluntly. “Canada lives because of the United States,” he said. “Remember that, Mark, next time you make your statements.”

He criticized Europe more broadly, saying some parts of the continent were “not recognizable anymore” and accused European countries of failing to contribute enough to NATO.

“We give so much to NATO and get so little in return,” Trump said.

Attacks on Energy and China

Trump used part of the speech to attack renewable energy policies and China’s environmental strategy.

“China sells windmills but doesn’t use them,” he said. “They make wind farms but use coal. They’re doing just fine. They make them and sell them to stupid people.”

At the same time, Trump praised nuclear energy, signaling a major shift in US policy.

“We are going heavy into nuclear,” he said. “The safety progress they’ve made is unbelievable. We can have nuclear energy now at good prices.”

Economic Claims and Inflation Victory

Trump declared that inflation in the US had been defeated and claimed the country was experiencing the fastest economic turnaround in history.

“US inflation has been defeated,” he said. “Core inflation has been 1.5 percent, fourth quarter growth projected at 5.4 percent.”

He described the United States as “the economic engine of the planet” and said global prosperity depends on American growth.

Warning to Europe

Trump ended with a clear message to US allies.

“You may not like what we’re doing,” he said, “but you can’t ignore us.”

He confirmed he had no plans to meet Macron in Davos and said negotiations over Greenland must begin immediately.

European leaders are scheduled to meet in Brussels on Thursday to coordinate a response to Trump’s remarks and tariff threats. Markets remain volatile as investors wait to see whether Trump escalates further or backs down from his latest demands.

For now, Trump made one thing clear in Davos. The United States intends to lead by pressure, not partnership, and Greenland remains at the center of a growing transatlantic crisis.

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