DAVOS, Switzerland — January 21, 2026. In a speech that dramatically upended expectations at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, U.S. President Donald J. Trump delivered a sweeping and controversial address that touched on geopolitics, trade, energy policy and territorial claims — shifting the agenda of the global summit. 

A Defiant, Unconventional Address

Trump spoke for roughly 70 minutes before an audience of global political and business leaders. While official WEF agenda notes said his appearance would focus partly on issues like housing affordability, the final speech became a far broader and more provocative manifesto. 

Key elements included:

• Greenland Acquisition Push: Trump reignited his controversial demand that the United States acquire Greenland, the vast Arctic island currently governed by Denmark. He argued that only the U.S. can defend and develop Greenland effectively, calling it essential for national security and NATO’s collective defense — though he insisted he would not use military force to take it. 
• Tariff Threats as Leverage: Trump emphasized his reliance on tariffs — not domestic tax increases — as tools of economic negotiation and pressure, signaling willingness to levy steep tariffs on European nations that refuse to support his Greenland objectives. 
• Criticism of Renewable Energy Policies: In a sharp critique, he denounced European clean energy initiatives, particularly the EU’s Green Deal, labeling them economically destructive. He specifically targeted wind turbines and renewable strategies as “harmful” and charged China with exploiting green markets without adopting such technologies domestically. 
• Economic Nationalism and Global Order: Trump portrayed the U.S. as the anchor of global security and economic stability — suggesting parts of Europe were in decline due to poor policy choices — and repeated his broader nationalistic themes about borders, economic growth, and energy dominance. 

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Global Repercussions and Diplomatic Tensions

Trump’s address quickly reverberated across the summit and diplomatic channels:

• European Leaders Push Back: Denmark, whose sovereignty includes Greenland, has firmly rejected selling the territory. European Union officials and leaders such as France’s Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated respect for territorial integrity and international law — and denounced economic coercion. 
• Market and Alliance Volatility: Trump’s tariff-linked demands and territorial push sparked market reactions and raised broader questions about NATO unity. Some European officials warned that the stability of the post-World War II rules-based order could be at stake if such unilateral pressures persist. 
• Record-High U.S. Delegation Presence: The U.S. sent its largest ever delegation to Davos, including key Cabinet members and advisors, underscoring America’s intensified push for influence at the summit. 

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Other World Leaders at Davos: Highlight Speeches and Messages

While Trump’s speech dominated global headlines, several other major figures also delivered noteworthy remarks — providing a broader picture of the debates shaping Davos 2026. 

Ursula von der Leyen — Defending Global Order

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need to uphold international norms and sovereignty. She framed European responses to geopolitical shocks — including Trump’s Greenland claims — as part of a “new form of European independence,” while reaffirming commitment to diplomacy and cooperation. 

Guy Parmelin — Call for Unity

Swiss President Guy Parmelin, speaking on behalf of the host country, urged global leaders to work collaboratively across science, society, politics, and the economy — warning that fragmented responses would leave major global challenges only partially addressed. 

Aziz Akhannouch — A Bridge Economy

Head of Government of Morocco Aziz Akhannouch highlighted his nation’s strategic geographic and economic position between Europe and Africa. His remarks underscored the importance of fiscal reform and cooperation across regional economic corridors. 

China’s Vice Premier — Trade and Openness

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng provided a contrasting message to the rising protectionist rhetoric. He stressed that China had never deliberately pursued a trade surplus, reaffirmed that Beijing is open to expanding both imports and foreign investment, and called for adherence to World Trade Organization principles amid rising global trade tensions. 

Business Leaders on AI Adoption Challenges

PwC Global Chairman Mohamed Kande drew attention to the corporate side of global transformation, noting that more than half of companies investing in AI have yet to derive measurable benefit — highlighting strategic leadership and foundational work as pivotal for future competitiveness. 

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Implications of the Davos 2026 Summit

The 2026 World Economic Forum — convened under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue” — comes at a moment of heightened geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty. The wide range of speeches and debates show that the global elite is wrestling with:

• The future of strategic alliances and security commitments — especially within NATO and between U.S. and European partners.
• Economic models and globalization’s future, as some leaders decry its failures while others defend its core principles.
• Energy policy and climate goals, with debates over renewable transitions clashing with protectionist and nationalist priorities.
• Technological disruption, as corporate leadership grapples with adopting AI and other advanced technologies effectively.

Trump’s Davos speech — highly unconventional for this forum — illustrates how global summits are no longer solely technocratic gatherings but arenas where national politics and geopolitical brinkmanship can take center stage.