I was inside the hall when Donald Trump arrived at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and the reaction was striking from the start. He received a standing ovation, and security was so tight that many people were turned away, including senior global leaders. Even well known figures struggled to enter or leave the room.
At the beginning of his speech, Trump appeared calm and measured. He spoke warmly about allies and even said he wanted the UK to succeed. Many expected a hard line announcement about a new global economic order, but instead his tone felt almost advisory, more like personal guidance than a warning.
This mood was very different from his recent social media statements, including strong claims about Greenland. That raised an immediate question. Which version of Trump were people seeing today?
The tension from the previous night was still fresh. That comment caused a walkout. As Trump began speaking, some wondered if the same thing might happen again. Early on, it seemed he was trying to avoid that outcome.
Trump spoke politely about Western allies who had been unsettled by his online remarks. He even admitted that discussing Greenland might not be wise. For a moment, it felt like a deliberate effort to soften his image after weeks of criticism.
Then the tone shifted.
Trump began by talking about America’s past role in helping Greenland and maintaining friendly ties with Denmark. Soon after, he insulted Europe’s largest economy by saying the room would be speaking German without US involvement in history.
The most dramatic moment followed. Trump said the United States wanted immediate talks to acquire Greenland. He also issued a warning to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, while claiming Greenland would help protect Canada as well. Hearing these words spoken so openly left many in the room stunned.
Mixed reactions inside the hall
Security was intense, the stakes were high, and the atmosphere was tense as Trump presented himself as a global power broker. Reactions varied across the audience.
Some responded politely to his attempts at charm. Others looked shocked as he returned to familiar themes like election grievances and criticism of fellow leaders. Despite promising not to invade Greenland, many were uneasy about his push for Europe to hand over the territory.
California Governor Gavin Newsom dismissed the speech as another example of Trump backing down after pressure from leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney. Republican Senator Thom Tillis said Congress would not support acquiring Greenland, even through negotiation.
Trump tried to ease tensions, but he continued to attack allies and individual leaders. While he ruled out invasion, he still claimed Greenland would become part of America and suggested the world should be grateful.
The speech ended, but its impact will last far longer.
