Marking one year into his second term, the president used the World Economic Forum stage to tout economic gains, press allies on trade and security, and argue Greenland is central to future defense.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Donald Trump told business and political leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday that a rapidly expanding U.S. economy is driving prosperity far beyond America’s borders, as he used the high-profile venue to defend his trade agenda, criticize allies and make the strategic case for Greenland.
Speaking from Davos on the first anniversary of his second inauguration, Trump said the United States has reclaimed its role as the world’s primary economic engine. “When America booms, the entire world booms,” he said, arguing that global growth historically tracks U.S. performance.
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The president described what he called a dramatic reversal from the prior administration, saying inflation has been brought under control, productivity is rising and investment is surging. He cited recent data showing inflation at roughly 1.6 percent over the past three months, fourth-quarter growth projected above 5 percent and dozens of new stock-market highs since the election. Trump said retirement accounts and savings have risen by trillions of dollars as confidence has returned.
He contrasted those claims with what he labeled an era of stagflation under former President Joe Biden, marked by weak growth and high prices, and said the turnaround has occurred faster than he expected. Trump also pointed to announced private-sector investment commitments totaling about $18 trillion, with expectations that figure could climb higher as his tariff and growth policies take hold.
In his remarks, Trump reiterated his view that trade imbalances — particularly in pharmaceuticals — pose a national security risk. He told the audience that the United States has been overcharged for decades on prescription drugs and said tariffs have been an effective tool in forcing negotiations, recounting how pressure tactics led to concessions from foreign leaders.
Trump also addressed geopolitics, saying Greenland is critical to future missile defense plans, including a proposed “iron dome” system for North America. He argued that the island’s location makes it essential to protecting both the United States and Canada, again pressing his case that current arrangements are inadequate for emerging threats.
On foreign policy, the president said he planned to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky later in the day, describing the war in Ukraine as a human tragedy costing the lives of countless young people. He said stopping the fighting remained a priority.
Trump also took aim at NATO allies, saying some benefit disproportionately from U.S. protection, and suggested Canada should show greater appreciation for American defense commitments. He mixed criticism with humor, briefly mocking Emmanuel Macron while saying he maintains a workable relationship with the French leader.
The address was delivered live to Davos attendees and broadcast online, with the full remarks available through a recorded stream of the president’s appearance and coverage from the network carrying the event.
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