On January 21, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a shocking speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, marking a historic turning point in transatlantic relations. Between territorial claims on Greenland, massive tariff threats, and questioning of multilateralism, this address will remain etched in the annals of international diplomacy.
A Tumultuous Arrival in the Swiss Alps
President Trump’s arrival was not without incident. Air Force One had to turn back approximately 30 minutes after takeoff due to an electrical problem, forcing the president to change aircraft. Despite this two-hour delay, Trump eventually arrived in Zurich before reaching Davos by helicopter, accompanied by the largest American delegation ever sent to this forum.
The U.S. president stayed at the Alpengold hotel, nicknamed the « Golden Egg », transformed into a veritable fortress with snipers positioned on rooftops and closed airspace within a 46-kilometer radius.
Unapologetic Economic Triumphalism
Greeted by a packed hall that stood upon his arrival, Trump opened his speech with these provocative words: « I am delighted to be here with friends and a few enemies ». He then unreservedly celebrated his economic record, claiming that the American economy had « exploded » under his presidency.
The figures partially confirm this vision: U.S. GDP growth reached 4.3% in the third quarter of 2025, exceeding forecasts. However, inflation remains at 2.7%, slightly above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, and the unemployment rate climbed to 4.6%, its highest level in four years.
Greenland: A Strategic Obsession
The heart of the speech quickly turned to the territorial claim on Greenland. « All the United States is asking for is to recover Greenland », Trump declared, justifying this demand with national security arguments against threats from Russia and China in the Arctic region.
In a contradictory statement, Trump affirmed: « I don’t want to use force », before immediately adding: « We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive force, and then we would be frankly unstoppable ».
Trump presented his demand as modest compared to American contributions to NATO, launching a barely veiled ultimatum: « You have a choice: you can say yes and we will be grateful. You can say no and we won’t forget ».
Unprecedented Tariff Threats Against Europe
To force Europeans to comply, Trump confirmed the imposition of 10% tariffs starting February 1, 2026, on eight European countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. These countries were targeted for sending military troops to Greenland in support of Denmark.
The president particularly targeted France, threatening to impose 200% tariffs on French wines and champagnes after Emmanuel Macron’s refusal to join his « Peace Council ».
These threats caused a marked decline in European markets. The CAC 40 lost 1.27%, heading for a seventh consecutive session in the red. Luxury stocks particularly suffered. In contrast, gold reached new heights, climbing to $4,690.59 per ounce.
A Virulent Critique of Europe
« Some countries in Europe are unrecognizable today », Trump declared, criticizing European immigration policies. « We see a different population today, a replaced population », he affirmed, adding that « the world powers are being destroyed before our eyes ».
Trump also attacked European energy choices, particularly wind turbines: « The more wind turbines, the worse a country is doing ». This vision fits into his « Drill baby, drill » doctrine that advocates massive development of oil and gas.
The « Peace Council »: A UN Alternative
Trump promoted his « Board of Peace », a controversial initiative that seems to aim at competing with the UN. Initially designed to oversee Gaza reconstruction, this council has seen its mission expanded to « promote stability and ensure lasting peace in regions affected by conflicts ».
Trump positions himself as the « founding president » of this organization where no country can use veto power, making him the final arbiter. He requested one billion dollars to obtain a permanent seat. Several countries accepted the invitation, including Hungary, but allies like France, Germany, and Canada declined.
European Reactions: Between Firmness and Divisions
Emmanuel Macron, who spoke the day before, called for « respect rather than brutality » and « the rule of law rather than force ». France proposed that NATO organize a military exercise in Greenland, declaring its readiness to participate.
Ursula von der Leyen promised a « firm, united, and proportionate » response while opting for a measured approach. Germany mentioned preparing « decisive countermeasures » with tariff retaliation covering 93 billion euros of American goods.
An extraordinary European summit was held on January 22 in Brussels to coordinate the response of the Twenty-Seven and prevent some countries from attempting to negotiate separately with Washington.
Implications for the Future
This speech potentially marks a turning point in transatlantic relations. For the first time since World War II, an American president openly threatens to annex a territory belonging to a NATO ally, using tariffs as an instrument of political coercion.
As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized: « We are at the heart of a rupture, not a transition. This is the end of a pleasant fiction and the beginning of a brutal reality where great power geopolitics is subject to no constraints ».
Europe finds itself at a crossroads, having to choose between appeasement or deploying its economic retaliation tools at the risk of uncontrolled escalation. Decisions made in the coming weeks will determine the nature of transatlantic relations for years to come.
The 2026 Davos Forum will remain in history as the stage for a historic rupture in the post-war world order.
